Spiegel: The West was able to recruit only 14 Leopard tanks for Ukraine

German newspaper Der Spiegel reported that after the decision on the Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine, there was a problem with its implementation.

According to the publication, practically no tank commitments have been received from European partners. Due to the precarious situation, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had to intervene – calling European partners and appealing to their conscience, the article emphasizes.

“14 German-owned Leopard 2 tanks are all that the West is ready to supply right now,” the publication says. And according to the decision, Kyiv was to receive two tank battalions (60-62 tanks) by the end of March.

A source in government circles told reporters that “the recruitment of battalions turned out to be a tedious task.” Last week, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius organized a video conference in which no EU country has yet made any relevant commitments.

Thus, the government of the Netherlands has publicly announced in the media its intention to supply tanks, but has not actually confirmed its decision yet. Poland promised to provide a dozen “Leopards”, but at the same time refuses to transfer sets of spare parts, without which, in combat conditions, the tanks will simply stand up very quickly.

In addition to 14 Leopard 2 tanks, Germany promised to transfer 88 old-style tanks to Kyiv. But as the publication explains, it will take months to repair them.

In addition, today it became known that Switzerland opposed the return of 30 Leopard tanks to Germany. The army has written off these combat vehicles, but considers them an important reserve.