Enlarge image
Marie Agnes Strack Zimmermann
Photo: ODD ANDERSEN / AFP
Clear words from the traffic light to the traffic light: Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FPD) has sharply criticized the postponed German decision on battle tank deliveries to Ukraine.
"At least a signal would have been right to give the partners the green light," she said on Friday in the ZDF-heute journal, referring to the desire of countries like Poland to deliver their own Leopard-2 from German production to Ukraine.
However, they need a permit from Berlin for this.
"History is looking at us and unfortunately Germany just failed," complained the chair of the defense committee.
The communication, especially from Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) on this issue was a "catastrophe", because on the one hand Germany is massively supporting Ukraine, but the lack of a decision on the battle tanks gives a different impression.
Scholz remains guilty of explanations.
From their point of view, the new Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is "on the chain," said Strack-Zimmermann.
However, she is certain that the Leopard-2 will ultimately be delivered to Ukraine.
Despite considerable pressure from Ukraine and allies, the federal government has not yet made a decision on the delivery of Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Kyiv.
On Friday, the allies met for a Ukraine conference in Ramstein, at which further billions in aid for the country attacked by Russia were agreed.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in Kyiv that he wanted to continue to push for the delivery of German Leopard 2 tanks to his country.
During the talks, he heard a lot of understanding for the needs of Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia, said Selenskyj in his video message distributed every evening in Kyiv on Friday evening.
"Yes, we will still have to fight for the supply of modern tanks, but every day we make it more obvious that there is no alternative to choosing tanks," he said.
Zelenskyj was optimistic that he will receive the tanks.
Missiles with longer ranges are also needed to liberate Ukrainian areas, he said.
Not everything that was discussed in Ramstein was intended for the public, Zelenskyj said.
The bottom line, however, is a strengthening of Ukrainian resistance to Russian aggression.
"The partners stand firm in their stance of supporting Ukraine for as long as is necessary for our victory."
dop/dpa
