Ukraine war: Poland asks Germany for permission to export tanks

By Antoinette Radford

BBC News

Poland has officially asked Germany for permission to export a host of Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine in a move which raises pressure on Berlin to make a decision on the thorny issue.

The German government told the BBC it had received the request to export 14 German-made tanks on Tuesday.

But it has insisted the final decision lies with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Ukraine sees the tanks as vital for breaking through Russian lines and to beat an anticipated counter offensive.

The Leopard 2 tanks were specifically designed to compete with the Russian T-90 tanks, which are being used in the invasion. But export laws mean any country that wishes to send the tanks require Berlin's permission.

Germany has been hesitant to send the vehicles, or allow other nations to do the same, with one of its concerns being the fear that a sudden move on the issue could further escalate the conflict with Russia.