If Germany has truly learned from its history, it will send tanks to defend Ukraine

While many have pledged support, Germany has a unique historical responsibility toward Zelenskiy and his people. It cannot shirk it

Germany has a unique historical responsibility to help defend a free and sovereign Ukraine. Europe's central power is also uniquely qualified to shape a larger European response designed to end Vladimir Putin's criminal war of terror in a way that deters future aggression around places such as Taiwan.

As a signal of strategic intent to measure up to this double obligation, from the past and for the future, the Berlin government should commit at the Ukraine defence contact group meeting in Ramstein, Germany, this Friday not only to allow countries such as Poland and Finland to send German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine but also do so itself, in a coordinated European action. Call it the European Leopard plan.

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