Germany admits problems with weapons supply to Ukraine

Baerbock admits possible problems with tank supply ring exchange

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The Polish government has criticised Germany for faltering arms deliveries. According to Foreign Minister Baerbock, solutions are currently being sought. She rejects the accusation of a German "deceptive manoeuvre".

Poland is unhappy with progress on the tank supply ring exchange with the German government for Ukraine. German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock has now admitted that the project is not working as planned. However, she rejects the sharp criticism of the Polish government, which recently accused Germany of breaking its word and of deception in the tank supply ring exchange in SPIEGEL.

"In a situation like this, nobody deceives their European neighbour," the Green politician said on Friday evening in "Bild-Format", "The Right Questions". The situation was unsatisfactory for both sides. But in war, one does not always know immediately which is the perfect way. And the supply ring exchange was initiated because it seemed to be "the best and quickest way at the time".

In the supply ring exchange, eastern allies are to provide Ukraine with easily operated Soviet-designed tanks. In return, Germany promised its NATO partners modern equipment as a replacement. But the result is causing trouble in Warsaw. Polish President, Andrzej Duda has repeatedly accused Berlin of not keeping its promises. The Polish government makes it clear to SPIEGEL that it feels deceived by Germany.

"The German promises on the tank supply ring exchange have turned out to be a deceptive manoeuvre," said Deputy Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek. First, the Germans had offered the Poles tanks "that were older than those we gave to Ukraine". This offer was "unacceptable, because we have no interest in deteriorating the condition of our armament and training our soldiers on equipment from the sixties". That is why they are now relying on the help of other Nato partners.

"From the very beginning it was clear that of course we cannot replace every single tank overnight with a snap of our fingers," Baerbock replied to the accusations from Poland. "Of course they can say we want more of you, but nevertheless the tanks they have can also be delivered directly to Ukraine." Germany cannot supply new tanks that the Bundeswehr itself does not have, the Green politician said. Others, however, could be delivered immediately.

Lambrecht rejects criticism

Since the supply ring exchange is obviously not going as planned, the German government is now examining "why this is obviously not happening, and whether we then have to provide other support". Baerbock said that the arms assistance to Ukraine was not only about tanks, but also about other heavy equipment. "I have made it clear several times that we have to look at how we can provide more support for artillery in particular."

On Thursday, Federal Defence Minister, Christine Lambrecht (SPD) defended the tank exchanges in response to criticism. She said it was very important for the Federal Government to fill the gaps but that this could not be done overnight. In addition to Poland, the German government has also agreed on supply ring exchanges with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Greece.