Slovenia is sending tanks to Ukraine to exchange weapons with Germany
STAApril 21, 2022 – The German news agency dpa reports that Germany has reached an agreement to send heavy weapons to Ukraine with several other European countries, including Slovenia, which is to send its tanks to Ukraine in exchange for tanks and armored vehicles (APC). from Germany’s own stock.
The news agency, citing unnamed sources, said on Thursday that the deal had been confirmed in Berlin.
The Slovenian Ministry of Defense first told STA that they could not comment on possible agreements on sending weapons to Ukraine.
A statement later said that Defense Minister Matej Tonin spoke with his German counterpart Christine Lambrecht on Wednesday after a video call.
“At the meeting, they discussed how allied countries can help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression and, in this regard, different ways in which Slovenia and Germany can help Ukraine together,” the ministry said.
According to dpa sources, Slovenia will send Soviet T-72 tanks to Ukraine, while Germany will send German tanks and APC from its own stock.
German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht confirmed on Thursday that Germany has concluded an agreement on the shipment of heavy weapons to Ukraine, the French news agency AFP reported.
Sources say that in accordance with the agreement, Germany will give Slovenia APC Marder and Fuchs, while Slovenia will demand more modern weapons, including the Leopard 2 tank and the APC Puma and Boxer.
According to the information available on the website of the Slovenian Armed Forces, Slovenia does not have T-72 tanks, but Yugoslav-made M-84 tanks, an updated and upgraded version of the T-72.