Tuesday. 05.11.2024
WAR IN UKRAINE

Spain’s defence minister non-committal on supplying tanks to Ukraine

On Sunday, the El Pais daily reported that Spain planned to supply Ukraine with around 40 main battle tanks made in Germany, providing the country with modern Western tanks for the first time
03 June 2022, Ukraine, Kiev: People inspect a destroyed Russian army tank about 40 km west of Kiev. 03 June is the 100th day of Russia's all-out war against Ukraine. Photo: Sergei Chuzavkov/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa.
People inspect a destroyed Russian army tank about 40 km west of Kiev. Photo: Sergei Chuzavkov/dpa/File photo.

A newspaper report to the effect that Spain is considering supplying battle tanks and anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine drew a non-committal response from Defence Minister Margarita Robles during a television interview.

Robles described arms deliveries to Ukraine following the Russian invasion as an “extremely delicate issue” that required “the greatest discretion” in remarks to broadcaster Telecinco.

She noted that Russia had repeated threats to countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.

However, Robles also said that Spain would act “within its capabilities and in coordination with its partners” in doing all it could to support the “heroic courage” of the Ukrainians.

On Sunday, the El Pais daily reported that Spain planned to supply Ukraine with around 40 main battle tanks made in Germany, providing the country with modern Western tanks for the first time.

Spain’s defence minister non-committal on supplying tanks to Ukraine