The Chair of the Bundestag’s Defence Committee Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann believes that Poland had exaggerated expectations of the circular exchange.

The system in question is meant to replace T-72 tanks sent by Poland to Ukraine, Spigel reports.

“Ultimately, we can’t cut out the tanks we want out of our ribs,” she said.

According to Strack-Zimmermann, Poland initially wanted to receive German Leopard 2 in a format of one-to-one compensation. The German official did not mention the actual number.

“Polish representatives expected to get from 44 to 58 Leopard 2A4 later at some point. At the same time, the Federal Government only pledged 20 units by 2023, because they should become available first,” the Chair of the Defense Committee emphasized.

The publication notes that currently the pressure from the Polish side comes via the German media. According to Strack-Zimmermann, that’s not helpful, since everyone receives a fair treatment.

In addition, she emphasized that Germany should supply weapons to Ukraine directly, including Marder infantry fighting vehicles, Fuchs armored personnel carriers, and Leopard 2 tanks.

This opinion, according to the MP, “does not spark enthusiasm in the office”, since the government wants to supply main battle tanks only after consultations with the USA and France. According to Strack-Zimmermann, Germany could set an example.

“Ukraine cannot wait until we sort everything out here,” she said.

Previously, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann has already criticized the circular supplies of arms, because this system does not work as it should.

At the same time, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov announced that Ukraine will receive the first batch of Leopard 2 from “one of the friendly countries” and will use them for training. It will take place on training grounds in the Baltic States. Meanwhile, negotiations on the supply of heavy weapons will continue.

Leopard 2 from Spain

Spain may supply 10 Leopard 2A4 tanks and 20 M113 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine. When these units become the property of the Armed Forces, the Ukrainian government will finance the renewal and modernization of the vehicles at Spanish enterprises.

The Leopard 2A4 and M113 repair funding may come from the European Peace Fund financed by the European Union.

The likely cost of renovating the tanks and armored personnel carriers is €5-15 million. It will last until the end of this year. The cost will depend on the level of upgrade that will be chosen and the difficulty of finding the necessary spare parts for the armored vehicles.