we will not stop Poland from sending tanks to Ukraine

If Poland sends German-made main battle tanks to Ukraine, Germany will not stop it. That is what the German Foreign Minister Baerbock said to the French channel LCI.

The interview comes after a joint summit between Germany and France in Paris. The entire German cabinet had traveled to the French capital to strengthen ties. Members of parliament from both countries were also present.

It is not yet clear what Baerbock’s statements will mean in practice. Kiev has been asking for assault tanks for some time because it hopes to push back the Russians. Poland and Finland have previously said the so-called Leopard 2to supply tanks. The Baltic states also called on Germany to give the green light. Because the main battle tanks are German-made, Berlin must give permission.

Speaking to LCI, Baerbock said: “The question hasn’t been asked yet, but if it does we won’t get in the way.”

For fear of further escalation of the war, Germany is reluctant to supply heavier equipment that can also be used for the attack. France has also shown restraint so far.

In Paris, Chancellor Scholz made no commitments today. He only stated that all arms deliveries will be coordinated with allies. French President Macron said he does not rule out his country sending Leclerc tanks to Ukraine in the near future.

On the sixtieth ‘anniversary’ of the Franco-German friendship treaty, both countries expressed their support for Ukraine. In a joint statement afterwards, they said that Ukraine can count on their “unwavering support”. The allies also pledged to stand behind Kiev “for as long as necessary”.

The major powers have recently been at odds on major European issues. This concerned, for example, the European price ceiling for gas and arms and equipment shipments to Ukraine. The Council of Ministers was originally scheduled for October last year but was postponed due to differences of opinion between the countries on how to deal with the energy crisis and Ukraine.

The celebration in the French capital this weekend was therefore intended as an opportunity for the countries to come closer together. In the run-up to the summit, Scholz and Macron particularly emphasized the mutual unity.

The summit in Paris this weekend marked the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of the Elysée, signed by both countries in 1963. To this day, the treaty serves as a building block for more European cooperation.