The German government does not confirm that Poland or other countries have applied for permission to transfer Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine. Federal government spokeswoman Christiana Hoffmann said this at a briefing in Berlin on Friday.
"There is no official request. There is no question to which we have had to say "No". We are in constant negotiations about what needs to be done to support Ukraine," Hoffmann said.
At the same time, she confirmed that other countries that would like to transfer German-made tanks to Ukraine, which they have in service, will need the permission of the German authorities, the supply without such permission would be illegal.
Responding to a question about the reluctance of the chancellor's office to make a decision on the supply of battle tanks by Germany, Hoffmann noted that "there is no fixed position", but there are constant discussions of further steps in relation to the current situation, mentioning the example of the Marder BMP.
The government of Germany continues to act in the provision of military aid based on the principle of coordinating all issues with allies and partners in order to "give Ukraine something that will help it defend itself" and prevent Germany and NATO from being drawn into the war, the representative of the government repeated.
The representative of the press service specified that Germany is in constant and very close dialogue, in particular with the USA, France, Great Britain, but also with Poland and Spain. According to her, Berlin has recently strengthened contacts with "all partners".
