Letter to Olaf Scholz: “Yes” to Marder and Leopard tanks for Ukraine!
Dear Chancellor,
Exactly today, on 25 October, you are organising an international expert conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine. We, a group of German and Ukrainian activists, would like to remind you that reconstruction will only be possible after a clear victory for Ukraine. And for this victory, Ukraine needs massive support with modern weapon systems from Germany.
We appeal to your understanding of our possibilities as a country and our responsibility regarding the course of this war.
Yes, Germany has already made and continues to make a significant contribution with arms deliveries to Ukraine. We are grateful for that. But the scale and nature of the deliveries does not meet the need.
Starting on 10 October, Russia has launched massive attacks on Ukrainian cities using its strategic air force and will continue to do so. Currently, Iranian drones are already being fired at Ukraine from the territory of Belarus. That’s 3 countries taking part in this- for Ukrainians this is the third world war.
Everyone knows: Germany is the fourth largest arms producer in the world.
Everybody knows: The German arms industry could have provided vital weapons to Ukraine since April — but you did not give your permission for months.
Everyone knows that German dual-use armaments have been sold to Russia since 2014, despite embargoes.
Everyone knows: The German government already voted in favour of the arms deliveries in April and on 6 October the EU Parliament already demanded tank deliveries to Ukraine in a joint resolution.
Everyone knows: the Ukrainian government is ready to buy these weapons. After all, it is a question of your release. The whole world is watching what decision you make and how quickly.
Our opinion:
In response to the Russian missile terror, the German government should also correct its position on the delivery of the Leopard tanks to Ukraine.
We must provide the Ukrainian army with armoured vehicles such as Leopards and Marder to enable it to free its country more quickly from Russian occupation.
Similarly, we urgently need to provide Ukraine with all available air defence systems and missile defence systems to protect the civilian population in Ukraine from aerial bombardment.
In addition, it is necessary to increase pressure on Russia to:
1. recognise Russia as a terrorist state
2. ensure the complete international isolation of Russia
3. tighten sanctions, especially on Russia’s energy sector.
Enough talk! High time to show the world and Putin: Germany stands up for Ukraine!
Every day we wait brings more victims among the Ukrainian civilian population. This is our — your — responsibility! Therefore, we expressly appeal to you:
Do everything to put Germany on the right side of history!
The more modern weapons we supply to Ukraine, the closer peace will be!
Those wishing to join the Open Letter can do so via change.org:
