THE Netherlands stated today that it has not changed its position on the possibility of providing tanks Leopard 2 in Ukrainefollowing a report that the country had withdrawn its support.

The Netherlands does not possess any such tanks, but leases 18 from Germany.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte said last month that the Dutch are willing to send them to Ukraine.

Citing sources, the German newspaper Die Welt reported today that the Dutch and Danish governments have reconsidered their decision to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense stated that this was not the case.

“The Netherlands does not possess any tanksspokeswoman Saska Luvov told Reuters.

“With Germany, it was decided that tanks from another battalion were more suitable to be delivered to Ukraine. If Germany decides to send tanks from our multinational battalion, we would not be opposed. Nor will we be opposed if they decide to send them at another time“.

The highest diplomat of the European Union Joseph Borelcommenting on the Welt article, today appealed to countries to send tanks to Ukraine.

“Countries should provide as many tanks as possible and as quickly as possible. It would be very disappointing if, after so long pointing the finger at Germany for doing nothing, we now did not follow“, he told the German media Phoenix.

“I know there are hundreds of tanks in the EU armies, some of them need to be refurbished, but then you have to do it, and do it fast, because in the spring it will be too late.”

The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany said this month they would buy at least 100 Leopard-1A5 tanks for Ukraine.