Slovakia failed to agree with Germany on the supply of T-72 tanks to Ukraine and replace them with German Leopard 2A4. This was reported by Business Insider,
KYIV. UkraineGate , 21 , June , 2022 | World News.
Details
As noted, two months ago, the Chancellor’s Office said that Germany is preparing a so-called circular exchange with Slovakia under the following agreement: the country transfers to Ukraine Soviet-era battle tanks T-72 in exchange for more modern German tanks.
“But nothing has happened so far. The reason: Germany has offered 15 Leopard 2A4 tanks for 30 T-72s – not enough for Slovakia’s national defense, so last week it abandoned the planned deal,” the statement said.
The Bratislava Ministry of Defense confirmed this to Business Insider on Monday night.
“The reality is that we cannot get the form of support promised by the Czech Republic or other countries. They are delivering the device to Ukraine and instead receiving two devices from Germany or another country. Slovakia has 30 T-72 tanks. Therefore, 15 main battle tanks.” The leopard “cannot be a solution for us, because we need 30 main battle tanks for the tank battalion. To this end, we are negotiating with our allies,” the spokesman said.
Addition
Earlier, German authorities blocked Spain’s plans to transfer Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine.
As previously reported , Spain is ready to supply Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine and train the Ukrainian military to operate them.