Adm Bauer: Decision On Tanks Must Be Taken By Individual Nations

The head of NATO's Military Committee, Adm. Rob Bauer, has told reporters in Lisbon, Portugal that any decision to send tanks to Ukraine must be a sovereign decision taken by individual nations.

• Bauer: "It is a sovereign decision by a sovereign state, which Germany is. It is important that Ukraine wins this war...we need to seriously look at what Ukraine requires and if possible give them what they ask for."
• Bauer's comments come following a Ukraine Contact Group meeting earlier today which failed to reach a decision on sending German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
• US and NATO military leaders have deflected criticisms of Germany, stating that Germany is a reliable partner in NATO and additional security aid packages announced today, including the provision of of air defence systems and armoured vehicles, should be commended.
• US Congressman Rep Michael McCaul (R-TX) issued a statement on Twitter: "I commend the Balts, Czech Republic, Denmark, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, & UK for these pledges to help Ukraine. It’s a great example of burden sharing & reminds nations which can do more, first & foremost Germany, to up the ante.”