Ukraine is under military pressure. Russia has intensified its attacks, especially in Donetsk and Luhansk, sending people into battle regardless of casualties, be they common soldiers or Wagner mercenaries. For months, Ukrainian leaders have been demanding more and better weapons from the West, especially main battle tanks.
There has been a movement in that direction in recent weeks. Several countries promised Ukraine reconnaissance and infantry fighting vehicles. Britain broke the real taboo by announcing the delivery of 14 Challenger main battle tanks. Germany, which has a large arsenal of Leopard 2 tanks, came under heavy pressure.
The “Leo” is one of the best battle tanks, according to experts, it could give Ukraine an advantage on the battlefield. But Chancellor Olaf Scholz did what he often does: He hesitated and hesitated, much to the chagrin of the Allies, as evidenced at the Ukraine conference at the US air base in Ramstein last Friday.
New verb «Schooling»
Poland announced that it would supply its leopards to the neighboring country without German permission. British historian Timothy Garton Ash created the verb “Scholzing”: announce good intentions and then postpone them for whatever reason. It pretty much sums up what many think of the German Chancellor.
Olaf Scholz also does little to correct this image. The reluctant Hanseat has an aversion to quick shots. He tends to weigh decisions carefully, which can be interpreted as procrastination. But as much as one understands the desire to help Ukraine, in this particular case Scholz had good reasons not to rush into anything.
The population
A majority of the German population supports Ukraine in the war against the aggressor. However, there is great skepticism about arms deliveries. At the beginning of January, only a quarter of the respondents in the ARD Deutschlandtrend spoke out in favor of more weapons. The previous deliveries have already gone too far for another quarter.
Behind this lies the widespread fear that the conflict could escalate into World War III or even nuclear war. That is why Scholz hesitated on the tank issue. His prudent course is appreciated. In a quick survey for RTL and NTV after Wednesday’s positive decision, 53 percent of those questioned thought his approach was correct.
The delivery of battle tanks is rejected by the supporters of the AfD and a large majority of East Germans. This is confirmed by another study by Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk, which covers the states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. No less than three-quarters of the participants described the tank delivery as wrong.
The SPD
The Ampel government was and is divided on the issue of arms supplies. While the FDP and the Greens pushed for this, the SPD was very skeptical. The “brakes” include Rolf Mützenich, the party leader in the Bundestag, and Scholz’s close confidant, Chancellor Wolfgang Schmidt. The Chancellor cannot simply ignore this.
The history
The relationship between Germany and Russia is strained by the Second World War. At least 24 million citizens of the Soviet Union fell victim to Nazi Germany’s war of aggression. The exact number will probably never be known. This raises the inhibition threshold for weapons used against Russia.
The tank types
There are concerns that Ukraine could be overwhelmed by too many different types of tanks. Logistically, the challenge is undoubtedly immense. The technological difference between the original Leopard and current models is huge. But the Ukrainians have shown themselves to be masters of improvisation.
The allies
Probably the most important argument for Scholz’s hesitation was the fear that a German would go it alone. The chancellor did not want to act without consulting his allies, particularly the US, who also had reservations about making their modern Abrams tanks available. Now we have succeeded in forging a broad tank alliance.
US President Joe Biden announced the delivery of 31 M1 Abrams. Several European countries also plan to transfer Leopard tanks, including Finland, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. France is considering making its Leclerc tank available, and even Morocco has sent 20 “pimped” T-72 tanks.
The joint approach worked. Commentators who had just beaten up Olaf Scholz now praise him as a shrewd tactician. Joe Biden thanked him for his “leadership” and his “unwavering commitment” to Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also declared Scholz and Germany as leaders.
Conversely, the hysterical reactions from Moscow indicate that this “tank offensive” was not expected. How many tanks will be delivered is unclear (probably more than announced). Chancellor Scholz, on the other hand, remained sober in the Bundestag as usual on Wednesday and stressed that Germany would not become a “war party”.
It’s easy to get annoyed with Olaf Scholz, especially if you want a practical edge. However, in the case of the Leopard tanks, he has reached the maximum with his reserved approach. In a ZDF interview on Wednesday night, the Chancellor gave his translation for the term Scholzing: “Germany does the most.”
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
