The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) faction in the German Bundestag is insisting that Ukraine be supplied with Leopard 2 main battle tanks.

"Everyone wants this. Finland wants it, Spain has long wanted it, Poland is now on the move, and the stubborn chancellor is standing in the way," Tagesschau quotes Johann Wadefuhl, Deputy Chairman of the CDU faction, who has sharply criticised Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

From his point of view, the delivery of Leopard 2 tanks is only a matter of time.

Scholz's blocking position cannot be Germany's role, he warned. Instead, it is necessary to go "to the front line" again.

Robert Habeck, German Minister of Economy and Vice Chancellor, spoke in favour of preventing the disruption of the delivery of Polish Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine due to Germany's objections.

On 11 January, Poland announced that it was ready to transfer a company of Leopard main battle tanks to Ukraine as part of a coalition with partners.

As the Leopard is a German-made tank, further exports require permission from the German Federal Government.