Russia-Ukraine war: Spain open to sending Leopard tanks to Ukraine

The Spanish defense minister said Madrid is open to transferring its German-made Leopard tanks to Ukraine. This follows the recent announcement by Berlin that it will provide Ukraine with its Leopard tanks.

Spain’s defense minister Margarita Robles said on Wednesday that Madrid was willing to transfer its Leopard tanks to Ukraine after Germany and other allies announced their plans to do so. Robles told the EFA news outlet that Spain will act in coordination with its allies to provide more help to Ukraine as the war reaches its 11th month.

“Spain is willing, within this coordination, to work with our allies to do whatever is necessary including the sending the Leopards, training in the use of these Leopards, and also to help in their maintenance and upkeep,” said Robles.

In the latter half of 2022, Spain sent what would be its largest defense package to Ukraine, made up of heavy weapons, long-range, and anti-tank ammunition, to the logistics hub in Poland. Spain previously send four US-made HAWK air defense systems and has pledged to send two more. Madrid is also offering medical treatment to wounded Ukrainian troops, as well as air defense training in its air base in Toledo.

The United States announced on the same day that it will be providing Ukraine with 31 of its M1 Abrams tanks worth $400 million, in what would be a change in decision after Washington initially argued against sending the tanks, citing the difficulty in maintenance. The decision also helped break the deadlock with Germany when Berlin was facing pressure to send its Leopard tanks.

President Joe Biden made the announcement in remarks at the White House. Biden said the tanks are needed for Ukrainians to “improve their ability to maneuver in open terrain.” Biden also thanked Berlin for officially agreeing to provide Ukraine with its Leopard 2 tanks along with the other military assistance NATO allies and other countries were providing on the ground.

“The expectation on the part of Russia is we’re going to break up,” said Biden in his remarks, referring to the US and European allies. “But we are fully, totally, and thoroughly united.”