The Western war effort against the Russian forces in Ukraine is stepping up and bringing at least one country from the Middle East into the picture.
According to reports, the German government has approved the transfer of Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine from its military stocks and at the same time is conducting negotiations on the short purchase of 15 Gephardt Mektar tanks for the purpose of sending them to the Ukrainian army, the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung reports on Friday.
According to the report, the Germans are discussing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar in the possibility of a possible purchase of 15 Gephardt tanks purchased by Qatar to ensure the security of the World Cup stadiums.
"Gepard tanks have proven themselves well in the war in Ukraine. If we can get more of them jointly, it will definitely help the Ukrainians," said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
If these deals come to fruition, it is a dramatic change in the policy of Qatar, which until now has maintained neutrality and maintained ties with the Kremlin. Selling the tanks to Germany will not be well received by Putin.