Morawiecki did not rule out the creation of a coalition of countries to transfer tanks to Kyiv without Germany

Poland, together with other countries, can create a coalition if Germany does not agree to the transfer of its Leopard tanks to Ukraine, and donate part of its modern tanks already without Germany, said in interview Polska Agencja Prasowa (PAP) Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

On January 20, a meeting of the contact group on defense support to Ukraine was held at the American Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, but the decision to transfer Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine was not made. For their export to Kyiv, Berlin, as a manufacturer, has repeatedly refused to give consent either from its stocks or from the countries where they were previously delivered.

Morawiecki, evaluating the results of the last meeting of the heads of defense ministries of NATO member countries, said that Germany’s position is unacceptable. He pointed out that almost a year had passed since the start of hostilities in Ukraine, and stated that there was “evidence of war crimes” by the Russian army.

“What else does Germany need to open its eyes and start acting in accordance with the potential of the German state? Also, they don’t need to activate 100%. 30% is enough. Even 10% would be progress. Above all, however, Berlin should not weaken or sabotage the actions of other countries,” Morawiecki said.

The Polish prime minister said that his country has done a lot to support Ukraine, the republic is cooperating with the United States, and anti-Russian sanctions are constantly being discussed. However, Germany expresses concern at a time when one can talk about improvements in the supply of heavy weapons to Kyiv, time is wasted on discussions when “the enemy is in the East,” he argues.

The politician also expects to hear from the German Ministry of Defense a clear statement of support for sending tanks to Ukraine, since the head of department denied that the country was blocking the transfer of Leopard. Morawiecki also spoke about plans in case Berlin does not agree to support Kyiv or continues to delay its decision.

“We will create a “smaller coalition” of countries ready to donate some of their modern equipment and modern tanks to the warring Ukraine <...> The decision to support the Ukrainian army is justified both politically and morally. I hope the Germans will understand this sooner or later. However, any country that already understands this will definitely follow in the footsteps of Poland,” he said.

Earlier, Poland declared its readiness to supply Kyiv with 14 Leopard 2s promised by Berlin to Ukraine without the consent of the German authorities. Of the countries where such tanks are in service, Finland also announced its desire to transfer them to Ukraine.

Leopard 2 tanks are German-made weapons. In order to transfer military equipment to Kyiv, countries first need to get the approval of Berlin. The FRG also reminded that the transfer of tanks without its permission would be illegal. Foreign Ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania urged German authorities urgently transfer tanks to Kyiv.

The negative consequences of the transfer of heavy tanks to Kyiv were previously warned in the Kremlin, and State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin said that the supply of offensive weapons would lead to a global catastrophe and Russia’s response with more powerful weapons.