The Netherlands and Denmark will not supply Leopard-2 tanks to Ukraine from their stocks. The governments of the countries have revised their decision to transfer modern combat vehicles to Kiev. On this subject informed Die Welt newspaper referring to requests to the governments of the Netherlands and Denmark.
The Netherlands was going to transfer to Ukraine 18 Leopard-2 tanks, leased from Germany and in service with the German-Dutch battalion. Now, in response to the newspaper’s request, representatives of the country’s authorities replied that they could not supply these tanks to Ukraine. Danish government sources have also said the country will not supply the Leopard 2 from stock.
Die Welt reports that the two countries will bear, as compensation, part of the cost of repairing 100 Leopard 1 tanks, which Germany intends to to put back Ukraine.
According to the newspaper, Sweden and Finland also refuse to transfer Leopard-2 tanks to Kiev. Both countries are waiting to join NATO and intend to send equipment after joining the alliance.
In January United States announcement on readiness to supply 31 Abrams tanks and Germany informed , which will transfer 14 of its Leopard tanks and also allow other countries to supply Leopards to Ukraine. Poland, the Netherlands and Spain have previously announced that they are ready to transfer part of the Leopard tanks from their stocks to the Ukrainian army, but they could not do so without the authorization of Germany, country of manufacture of this equipment. Thus, Kiev can receive at least 112 units of German tanks. They are expected to appear in Ukraine within two to three months. Kiev and Berlin said the tanks would not be used on Russian territory within its borders officially recognized by the world community. The equipment will be used only to liberate the territory of Ukraine.
