Germany Delivers First of 54 Leopard 2 Tanks to Ukraine, Stoking Controversy
The German government delivered the first of 54 promised Leopard 2 tanks, known as RCH 155, to Ukraine on Monday. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed confidence that the advanced artillery would help the Ukrainian military “win the war against the Russian aggressor” during the handover in Kassel.
The delivery of the German tanks has also brought to the surface a discussion that echoes the more unsavory aspects of European history in its rhetoric. Ukraine supporter and military propagandist Julian Röpcke took to Twitter to explain why the guns would be useful on the battlefield, responding to a tweet by AfD chancellor candidate Alice Weidel.
“1. Ukraine defends our freedom too” Röpcke wrote. “2. Every Russian tank destroyed in Kursk or Donbass is one less that can shoot at German soldiers. 3. KNDS gains valuable data for further development through its tank’s combat experience.”
Röpcke’s response was in reaction to Weidel’s criticism, who said that Defense Minister Pistorius was “giving away modern artillery” to Ukraine while the German military stood “with empty hands.” The Leopard 2 RCH 155 is considered the latest development and, according to the manufacturer, the best in its class. Ukrainian Ambassador to the handover ceremony noted that the Ukrainian military would even receive the RCH 155 before the German military.
“Germany should not be a state-financed arsenal for foreign wars, but a country that has an army capable of defending its own land” Weidel said.
The AfD has emphasized the need for a strong and combat-ready army in its election program and, although not opposed to Germany’s membership in NATO, stresses that the alliance’s goals should only be limited to the area of defense. The party strictly rejects any confrontation with Russia and believes that a potential conflict could put German security at risk if Russia were to launch a retaliatory attack. This position, deemed right-extremist by some, remains a minority view within the German political arena.