Ukraine calls for more arms after liberation of Russian-occupied territories. After Foreign Minister Baerbock spoke out in favor of rapid deliveries of battle tanks, FDP boss Lindner assured: There will be no change of course.
FDP leader Christian Lindner sees no change of course in the federal government towards supplying battle tanks to Ukraine. When asked about statements by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Lindner said in Berlin that he had reassured himself within the federal government and officially asked whether the attitude of individual departments had changed.
“That could not be confirmed,” said the Federal Minister of Finance. At meetings of the allies in Ramstein, according to his knowledge, agreement was reached on the exchange of rings “and that no main battle tanks of Western production and design should be delivered”. This was further the line of the FDP and confirmed in the Presidium.
The FDP presidium is still of the opinion that Germany should check every day whether more can be done to support Ukraine, said Lindner. It must be noted: “We will not have our own war party.” In addition, the following applies: “We do not violate the limit from which we would lose our own ability to defend the country and the alliance.” He named the third criterion: “We do everything in coordination with our partners, friends and allies, especially the USA.”
Baerbock indirectly spoke to Anne Will on Sunday evening in favor of the delivery of battle tanks to Ukraine. “These battle tanks must be technically operated in such a way that they can also make a difference in combat. That’s why it’s so important for us to be able to take this step together with our partners,” the minister said, qualifying her request. It’s not about patting each other on the back and saying which weapons you’ve already delivered and then they don’t work in combat. Baerbock: “The material breaks very quickly if it is used incorrectly. Then it has to be repaired.” A plant for this is now being built on the Polish-Ukrainian border.
The main battle tanks demanded by Ukraine could be used primarily for advances and the recapture of areas. They have great firepower and are built for direct combat. Infantry fighting vehicles, which are also under discussion, serve to transport soldiers as safely as possible to the combat area and to support them in battle. The German Bundeswehr Association, representing the interests of the soldiers, was open to the delivery of armored personnel carriers to the Ukraine, but not from Bundeswehr stocks.
