The new Minister of Defense of Germany

said that he does not know anything about the demand that Ukraine receive German tanks only on the condition of similar supplies from the USA.

Pistorius said this before a meeting on Friday, where future arms deliveries to Kyiv will be discussed.

's government

has still not authorized the export of German-made Leopard tanks to help Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

At the same time, sources previously reported that Berlin would give permission if Washington agreed to send its Abrams tanks to the Ukrainians.

"I don't know anything about such conditions," Pistorius said in an interview with the ARD TV channel when asked to confirm the existence of a condition for the simultaneous delivery of Abrams and Leopards, which leaves open the possibility of reaching an agreement on January 20.

Representatives of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and heads of defense agencies from approximately 50 countries will gather at the US Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Allies criticized Scholz for his position on sending modern battle tanks, which Ukraine needs to fight Russian aggression.

However, a public opinion poll conducted by ARD showed that Germans were divided on the matter: 46% were in favor of sending tanks, 43% were against.

The split is particularly sharp among supporters of the Social Democrats, 49% of whom said Germany should fulfill its obligations.

In addition, there are fewer supporters of sending tanks among young people compared to older respondents.

A source in the German government previously reported that Berlin has not yet received any requests for a license to re-export Leopard tanks.

Poland and Finland have already announced that they will send their "Leopards" to Ukraine if Germany gives permission for export.

Berlin has the right to veto any decision to export its tanks, which are in service with NATA-allied armies throughout Europe and those considered by military experts to be the most suitable for Ukraine.