The MEPs called on the Chancellor to transfer modern weapons and air defense systems to Ukraine as soon as possible. However, Olaf Scholz evaded the delivery of Leopard heavy tanks.
On December 18, MEPs approved the annual report for 2022 on the implementation of the Common Security and Defense Policy. They called for the “immediate deployment of modern weapons and air defense systems in Ukraine”.
European Parliament notes that Ukraine needs military assistance urgently
The European Parliament noted that Ukraine defends its territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders and urgently needs military assistance and heavy weapons to win the war.
The EU and its member states must increase military, political and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and bolster their defenses against Russian threats to European security. The EU's response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is under close scrutiny by autocracies around the world and will have a significant impact on their behavior on the international stage, MEPs stressed.
Scholz refrained from responding to the supply of tanks
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that he and his partners decided to change the strategy and support Ukraine not only financially, humanitarianly, but also with a variety of weapons. Meanwhile, he did not say that Germany would give us Leopard tanks, avoiding answering.
The US is, of course, No. 1 here, but they are followed by the UK and Germany. And we will continue great support. We supply effective artillery, in particular PzH 2000 howitzers, MLRS missile systems, which are very effective in this war and help Ukraine protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty. And we will continue to do so,” Scholz said.
He said that Germany has already supplied Ukraine with many weapons for air defense, including Gepard and IRIS-T. Also, together with partners, Berlin helped the Armed Forces of Ukraine with Bradley and Marder combat vehicles.
At the same time, the Chancellor once again added that Germany does not intend to act independently, only in coordination with the allies.
This is our strategy. We work together with friends and partners and do not intend to do anything on our own. As I said, we will do this for as long as it takes. But at the same time, we must not allow this to turn into a war between Russia and NATO. – said Scholz.
Let us recall that Canada and Latvia recently announced new packages of military assistance to Ukraine. In particular, Canada will give us another 200 armored vehicles, and Lithuania – Stinger anti-aircraft missile systems.
