Minister calls for progress in German debate about battle tanks

A debate about the delivery of offensive tanks to Ukraine continues to occupy the German coalition government, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calling it "crucial" that decisions are taken soon, reported dpa.

The Green politician told broadcaster ZDF on Wednesday evening: "The important thing is that in these days, in these weeks, we join forces and don't look at where there are differences between the foreign minister and the chancellor."

Last week, Baerbock called for quick decisions when it came to the delivery of battle tanks.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, from the Social Democrats, has taken a more cautious line, and repeatedly said that Germany would not be "going it alone" when it came to directly sending German-made attack tanks to Kiev.

Baerbock said in the interview that the next weeks and months are decisive for the war, and that it is "crucial" to make progress with regard to the tanks.