The German government reportedly raised the alarm over Spain’s supposed plans to provide as many as 40 German-made tanks to Ukraine, which were revealed in a media report last Sunday. Madrid allegedly had to scale back the scheme dramatically amid Berlin’s concerns, Business Insider Germany said on Saturday. The Spanish government reportedly ended up apologizing to Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The outlet noted that the shipment of Leopard 2 battle tanks “would be the first time a NATO member state would send modern tanks to Ukraine” – which would presumably put pressure on Germany to follow suit. This would be “extremely awkward” for the German leadership, Business Insider said.
The Spanish government has reportedly revised its initial plans, first reported on by El Pais earlier this month, down to a maximum of 10 vehicles.