Official Madrid apologized to the German government “for excessive excitement” caused by the news about the possible shipment of German Leopard A4 tanks by Spain to Ukraine. The diplomatic incident is reported by Business Insider.
If the Leopard A4 was sent to Kyiv, these vehicles would become the first NATO tanks that Western countries would “donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.” Which would set a real precedent, the text says.
Spanish officials acknowledged this and apologized to the German government. “The news added to the German chancellor’s excitement,” Business Insider notes.
Cars bought from Germany in the 1990s are likely to be out of order and in need of repair. In addition, the Spanish-German contract provides for the transfer of equipment to third countries strictly with the permission of Berlin.
Earlier, the Spanish newspaper Pais, citing sources, reported that Spain was allegedly preparing to supply Ukraine with heavy weapons, including German Leopard A4 tanks.