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German government confirms shipment of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, allows re-export

"The aim is to quickly form two Leopard 2A6 tank battalions for Ukraine. For this purpose, at the first stage Germany will provide a company, which will include 14 Leopard 2A6 tanks from Bundeswehr reserves," Steffen Hebestreit said

A Leopard 2 tank AP Photo/Michael Sohn

A Leopard 2 tank

© AP Photo/Michael Sohn

BERLIN, January 25. /TASS/. Germany’s Cabinet of Ministers has confirmed that it will send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and issue re-export permits to other countries, government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said on Wednesday.

"The federal government has decided to provide the Ukrainian armed forces with Leopard 2 battle tanks," he said. "Germany will issue permits to partner countries that want to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine from their own reserves," Hebestreit added.

"The aim is to quickly form two Leopard 2A6 tank battalions for Ukraine. For this purpose, at the first stage Germany will provide a company, which will include 14 Leopard 2A6 tanks from Bundeswehr reserves. Other European partners, for their part, will provide Leopard 2A6 tanks. Training of Ukrainian crews will soon begin in Germany. The deal also provides for solving the issues of logistics, provision of ammunition and maintenance," Hebestreit said.

On Tuesday, Der Spiegel magazine reported Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s decision to send tanks to the Kiev authorities.

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Ukraine crisis Ukraine Germany

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