Despite stating it would send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine if the U.S. sent Abrams tanks to Germany, Germany reportedly used the complexity and maintenance requirements of Abrams tanks as a reason for not sending their own. Additionally, Germany's response to Poland's offer to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine was controversial, indicating reluctance.

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Claim

Broader claims

Germany's hesitancy to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, citing the complexity of Abrams tanks and reacting controversially to Poland's offer, indicates a cautious approach in military aid.

Quotes that support the claim

"Germany said it would send Leopard 2 tanks if the U.S. sent Abrams tanks. But the U.S. has explained that the Abrams tanks are too complicated and require too much maintenance. Germany also claimed that it can’t get Leopard tanks ready for Ukraine in time, so Poland said it could send its Leopard tanks over. If Germany was interested in giving Ukraine those tanks, that would have been great news; instead, it sparked controversy. Once again, Germany’s lies were exposed. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock claimed on January 22 that Germany would not block any countries from selling German tanks to Ukraine. But she doesn’t make the final decision, and Scholz hasn’t given approval. Thus the German government appears divided, and pressure on Scholz is growing."

Sources

Germany Pursues a Hidden Agenda With Russia

Subclaims

Germany used the complexity and maintenance requirements of Abrams tanks as a reason for not sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

Germany stated it would send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine if the U.S. sent Abrams tanks to Germany.

Germany's response to Poland's offer to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine was controversial.