By tying the Leopards to US Abrams tanks Germany could shift the onus onto Washington. A poll by German ARD television showed how divisive the issue is in the country, with 46% in favour of allowing the tanks to be sent and 43 per cent against.
Many Germans viewed the end of the Cold War as the end of major conflict for the West. That optimism, combined with a pacifism rooted in its guilt over its role in two World Wars, meant Germany retreated on defence, effectively outsourcing its security to its US ally, analysts say.
“Because of historical reasons, Germany has to act the role of a reluctant power. It wants to be clear about the cautiousness of its moves,” said Adam Roberts, a senior research fellow at the University of Oxford’s department of politics and international relations.
However, Roberts said he is optimistic that Germany could change its stance on the Leopard 2 tanks.
“I think that Ramstein is, to an extent, a piece of theatre to demonstrate that it’s in the international interest, and in the interest of all its allies, that Germany should move in this direction,” he told CNA’s Asia First on Friday.
Colin Kahl, the Pentagon’s top policy adviser, said on Wednesday Abrams tanks were not likely to be included in Washington’s next massive US$2 billion military aid package. They are considered by many experts to be unsuitable for the conditions in Ukraine.
Ukraine and Russia have both relied primarily on Soviet-era T-72 tanks, which have been destroyed in their hundreds in 11 months of fighting.
After big Ukrainian gains in the second half of 2022, the frontlines have largely been frozen in place over the past two months, with neither side making big gains despite heavy casualties in intense trench warfare.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the private Russian mercenary force Wagner that has taken a leading role in fighting near the eastern city of Bakhmut, claimed on Thursday his forces had seized the village of Klishchiivka on Bakhmut’s outskirts. Kyiv has previously denied that the settlement has fallen.
Reuters could not confirm the situation there.
