Morally I support this moving as quickly as possible.
Is there an issue with the Russians gaining access to a Leopard/Challenger2 and so being able to learn more about them which would be more difficult for us should it escalate. I am not aware of how much they really know vs what we/they think they know etc ?
Putin is going to become more and more repugnant as pressure increases, or if it becomes even more embarrassing for him.
It does seem odd that given the generous moves made by Germany in the last year that Mr Pistorius was the chosen person at this point?
Ms Lambrecht was a complete failure as Defence Minister. It was the same with Ms von der Leyen and Anette Kramp Karrenbauer before from the CDU. But Lambrecht was so wanted in the autumn of 2021, like vdL and KK before from Merkel. The Bundeswehr should simply continue not to play a major role. And if there was something to decide, it was done by Scholz anyway. Now the Bundeswehr is moving into the limelight because of the war. Lambrecht is not suited for this. A new defence minister was needed. One with competence but one who is loyal to Scholz. Sorry if this sounds stupid, but I think that Schröder is sitting on Putin's lap and Scholz is sitting on Schröder's lap.
The press statement by Austin and Milley was telling. They were totally pissed off but they had to give the impression of NATO unity. I hope that behind the scenes the pressure on Scholz will be increased.
