The federal government wants to allow the transfer of Leopard 1 main battle tanks from industrial stocks to Ukraine.

This was reported by the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" on Friday.

However, the approval has not yet been formally granted, as the German Press Agency learned from government circles.

According to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung", Rheinmetall and the Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) want to prepare dozens of Leopard 1 tanks and could supply them to Ukraine for the fight against Russia.

According to the report, however, there have been problems with the procurement of ammunition so far.

Last week, the federal government had already decided to deliver 14 Leopard battle tanks from Bundeswehr stocks to Ukraine.

In addition, it allowed other countries to supply such German-made battle tanks.

Ukraine had been demanding the delivery of these heavy systems for months in order to resist the Russian attack.

According to the Ukrainian interpretation, main battle tanks would allow the armed forces to tear holes in the Russian defense front and launch larger offensive operations.

After the Allies decided to make these weapon systems available to Kyiv, the discussion now revolved around the provision of combat aircraft.

Several states, such as Germany and the United States, have ruled that out — at least for now.

Other countries such as France or the Netherlands have shown their willingness to at least examine a request from the Ukraine.

However, Kiev's wish list goes even further.

It is said again and again that naval ships are also needed to secure the ports in the Black Sea.