Scholz Confirms 14 Leopard Tanks To Ukraine, Will Allow Re-Export

In an emailed statement to Bloomberg, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has confirmed that it will send 14 Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, and will allow third countries to re-export Leopard 2's as well. Story says that the announcement was made in Cabinet this morning, and that "The goal is to quickly assembly two tank battalions with Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine. As a first step, Germany will provide a company of 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from Bundeswehr stocks. Other European partners will also hand over Leopard 2 tanks."

• "Training of the Ukrainian crews is to begin soon in Germany. In addition to training, the package will also include logistics, ammunition, and maintenance. Germany will issue the relevant transfer licenses to the partner countries that want to quickly deliver Leopard 2 tanks from their stocks to Ukraine..."
• Russia has called the act a provocation, while Kremlin spox Dmitri Peskov stated that the West were overestimating the potential impact of the main battle tanks, saying that it is a “deep delusion.”
• The German provision will match the 14 Challenger 2 tanks the UK is set to provide. The US' signal of its intentions to send M1 Abrams is viewed as a major trigger for Scholz allowing the sending of German tanks.