Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday urged German citizens to trust his government’s decision to supply Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks, promising to always remember the “security” of Germany, reports EFE agency, quoted by Agerpres.

German Chancellor Olaf ScholzPhoto: Michael Kappeler / AFP / Profimedia

Scholz acknowledged that many citizens are “very concerned” because they want the war in Ukraine “not to come” and the German government “not to lose its temper,” he said in a video scheduled and broadcast on the day he travels to tour of Latin America.

“Believe the authorities! Believe me too! We make decisions that are always checked and agreed at the international level,” the German chancellor emphasized regarding the decision announced this week.

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Scholz noted that since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, his government was guided by three main lines: to do “everything necessary” to support Ukraine, to avoid escalation, because “there can be no war between Russia and NATO.” – and, finally, act in coordination with Germany’s allies, especially the USA.

The supply of battle tanks, which follows earlier decisions to supply howitzers, air defense systems and light armored vehicles, is also in line with those three principles, he said.

“Our goal is clear: Russia cannot change the borders by force and get away with it,” the German chancellor stressed.

“I promise you that we always take Germany’s security into account,” Scholz wanted to reassure the Germans.

What do the Germans think?

According to a poll published on Friday by public broadcaster ZDF, 54% of German citizens believe the decision to send battle tanks to Ukraine is the right one, compared to 38% who oppose it. The result is similar to the results of surveys published in the past. week.

While support for sending arms to Ukraine is particularly high among Green voters, supporters of the AfD (Alternative for Germany) and the left-wing Die Linke are particularly opposed.

About half of the population is concerned that the delivery of battle tanks to Kyiv will increase the risk of a direct military confrontation between Russia and the West, a fear that is especially pronounced in the areas of the former East Germany, EFE reports.

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