Germany accuses Poland of inflated expectations for supply of tanks

Chairperson of the Defence Committee of the German Bundestag Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann has accused Poland of inflated expectations when it came to the circular exchange of armoured vehicles.

“We just can't carve the tanks we want out of our ribs,” Spiegel quotes Strack-Zimmermann as saying.

She noted that the Polish government is also aware of this.

Strack-Zimmermann noted that Poland first wanted to receive compensation via German Leopard 2 tanks as part of a circular exchange - the transfer of Soviet T-72 tanks from Poland to Ukraine.

“Later, the Polish representatives expected to receive 44-58 Leopard A4. The federal government "promised 20 tanks during 2023", however, pressure is exerted by the Polish side because of the German media,” the chairperson said.

"It is not rather helpful because everyone is treated fairly," she said.

Strack-Zimmermann called for direct arms shipments to Ukraine, including Marder infantry fighting vehicles, Fuchs-type vehicles and Leopard 2 tanks.

“The Defence Committee willing to supply main battle tanks only by consulting only with the US and France is not encouraged. However, Germany could be mentioned as an example. Ukraine cannot wait until we sort this out,” the chairperson said.

Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski accused Germany last week of violating the agreements on the replenishment of weapons stocks, which Warsaw handed over to Kyiv to counter Russian aggression.

Germany’s Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock did not rule out the failure of the so-called circular supplies of tanks, which were agreed with Poland, and wants to look for alternatives.