In a warehouse in eastern Belgium, arms dealer Freddy Versluys stands in front of a sea of Leopard 1 tanks. Eight years ago, he bought the last 50 tanks from the Belgian defense.
In that deal, he probably did not expect that a few years later all of Europe would be clamoring for more weapons to send to a Ukraine at war.
- I am in discussion with the governments of several countries right now.
I just received a call from the Ukrainian government.
So yes, the interest is great, says Freddy Versluys.
The Minister of Defense sees red
But the controversial arms dealer has also found himself at the center of debate in his native Belgium.
The government is open to investigating the possibility of sending more weapons to Ukraine.
But if you want to send tanks, you have to buy them back, for millions of kroner each.
It has made Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedoner see red.
- These tanks were sold for approximately SEK 150,000 each.
Nothing prevents us from buying them back, but they are not in driveable condition.
Freddy Versluys claims that the tanks were bought at a much higher price and that they would be refurbished and re-equipped if the government chooses to buy them back.
Come along to the warehouse in Belgium where 50 tanks are standing and dusting in the video above.