Scholz: Germany Won't Supply Combat Aircraft to Ukraine

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed that his country won't send combat aircraft to Ukraine, after Kyiv intensified its calls on the West to hand over more advanced weapons to help it repel Russian military operations in Ukraine.

However, Scholz agreed Wednesday to send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and to allow other European countries to do the same, after weeks of intense debate and mounting pressure from the allies.

In an interview with Tage Spiegel newspaper, Scholz said, "I can only advise against entering into a constant bidding war when it comes to weapons systems."

Germany's Chancellor warned that the launch of a new debate in Germany after the decision on tanks was taken would "undermine citizens' confidence in the government's decisions."

Scholz's decision to give the green light to Ukraine's delivery of Leopard 2 tanks was accompanied by the United States' announcement to supply Ukraine with 31 American Abrams tanks.