Germany has today confirmed that it will send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. MP Anders Adlercreutz is pleased that Chancellor Olaf Scholz has finally given the green light to properly supporting Ukraine.
“This was an essential decision. Russia is increasing the pressure on Ukraine’s defences and the country’s own resources are limited. The more quickly we help, the more effective our assistance will be and the sooner the war can end. It is in our interests, in Ukraine’s interests and – paradoxically – also in Russia’s interests,” Adlercreutz says.
In late December, Adlercreutz and Greens MP Atte Harjanne published a text recommending the establishment of a European coalition to support Ukraine with modern Leopard 2 tanks. From there, the debate progressed quickly.
“There is a strong willingness to help, but it is worrying to see how difficult it is for countries to make decisions. In Ukrainian hands, the tanks will not be attack weapons but essential tools for defence. And because it is not just a case of delivering the tanks but also of providing training, completing the assistance will take time. Ukraine cannot afford such delays. We must act swiftly,” Adlercreutz says.
After Germany’s announcement, Finland’s Minister of Defence Mikko Savola confirmed that Finland will take part in international collaboration to send Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine. Adlercreutz stresses the fact that although Finland’s contribution is not huge, it matters that we do our bit.
“During the debate it has also emerged that not all countries maintain their stock in very good condition. We have done. We have a large number of tanks in working order. They are now needed in Ukraine and to me it seems self-evident that Finland must be involved in sending over a carefully considered number of them,” Adlercreutz says.
