Germany Sets Condition For US Over Supply Of Tanks To Ukraine: Report

German-made tanks will be sent to Ukraine in its fight against Russia on the condition that the United States agrees to send its own tanks, reports said.

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Berlin, which is yet to decide on supplying its heavy battle tanks to Ukraine, seems to have set a condition for the US over its supply to Ukraine. German-made tanks will be sent to Ukraine in its fight against Russia if the United States agrees to send its own tanks, news agency Reuters reported citing a Berlin government source.

The development comes amid Ukraine requesting new modern Western weapons, especially heavy battle tanks to help solidify its stance against Russian forces. Ukraine regained momentum this year after securing some battlefield successes in the second half of 2022 against Russian forces that invaded last February.

Ukraine has been primarily using the Soviet-era T-72 tank variants. However, Germany's Leopard 2 tank is considered one of the best in the West and armies in about 20 countries have already used the equipment. The tank weighs more than 60 tonnes and is equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore gun that can hit targets at a distance of up to five km.

The modern tanks would offer Ukraine the mobile firepower to face Russian troops in decisive battles. Even as Germany remains the West's biggest holdout on pledging tanks, a Cabinet minister said on Tuesday that the issue would be the first to be decided by new defence minister Boris Pistorius, reported news agency Reuters.

Will Germany supply its Leopard 2 tank?

Notably, Berlin has veto power regarding any decision to export its Leopard tanks, fielded by NATO-allied armies across Europe. The missile is seen as the most suitable defence for Ukraine. Even as Germany remains the West's biggest holdout on pledging tanks, a Cabinet minister said on Tuesday that the issue would be the first to be decided by new defence minister Boris Pistorius, reported news agency Reuters.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz also noted the condition of US tanks several times in the meetings held in closed door, the source said.

On this issue, US President Joe Biden's spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre, said: "The president believes that each country should make their own sovereign decisions on what steps of security assistance and what kinds of equipment they are able to provide Ukraine."

On its part, US officials said Biden's administration is likely to approve Stryker armoured vehicles for Ukraine produced in Canada for the US Army but is not ready to send US tanks, including the M1 Abrams.

Germany's new Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will be hosting US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday in presence of dozens of defence ministers at Ramstein air base in Germany.