Jens Stoltenberg is so sure that Germany will give the green light to let Ukraine get Leopard tanks, that he asks the member states to start training Ukrainian crew and preparing tanks for export.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met the press together with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin on Tuesday morning.
The German Minister of Defense announced an imminent decision on Germany’s part.
– Countries that wish to contribute Leopard tanks can identify vehicles and start training Ukrainian crews now, so that they can quickly become operational when the decision is made, Stoltenberg said at the press conference in Berlin.
Solution soon
He added that the partner countries must provide Ukraine with heavier and more advanced equipment, and that it must happen quickly.
– We have discussed the tank case today. The NATO countries will continue the consultations, and I am confident that we will have a solution soon, said the Secretary General.
– The courage of Ukrainian forces has inspired the whole world. At the same time, we should not underestimate Russia, added Stoltenberg
– President Putin has proven that he is willing to pay a high price for his unjust war. The only way to peace is to make it clear to Putin that he will not win on the battlefield, says Stoltenberg.
He emphasizes that Germany is among the allies that provide the most military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
– German weapons save lives in Ukraine every day.
– Most importantly, we have no indication that Putin has changed his goal. He wants to control Ukraine, says Stoltenberg.
– We are seeing a full-blown war in Europe which poses the greatest danger to our security for generations. That is why German leadership is more important than ever.
