Kyiv has pleaded with Western governments for months to supply tanks to provide its forces with the firepower and mobility necessary to break through Russian defense lines and reclaim Russian-occupied territory.
Germany will furnish Ukraine with 14 Leopard 2 tanks and has authorized partners to send their own despite Russian threats, while the United States has stated it will send over 31 M1 Abrams tanks and offer training for the country’s military.
Ukraine can now receive Leopard 2 tanks from nations such as Poland and Spain, thanks to Germany’s decision.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine told that he is “extremely glad” and “grateful” about the Leopard 2 decision, but stressed that the vehicle quantity and delivery time are “important.”
After confirming that tanks would be supplied to Ukraine, US President Joe Biden said at a news conference on Wednesday. “This is not an offensive threat to Russia.”
He stated that the Together States and its allies “will continue to do everything possible to defend Ukraine” and that Vladimir Putin “was mistaken… we are united.”
Mr. Biden stated that armored capabilities are “crucial for Ukraine” and that the United States “would train Ukrainian troops as soon as feasible.” He also stated that Germany has “really stepped up support” for Mr. Zelenskyy’s troops.
As part of its “long-term commitment to Ukraine’s defense leadership,” the United States will supply Ukraine with the training and resources needed to operate and maintain its M1 Abrams tanks, according to a senior administration official.
In addition to the Abrams, we are purchasing eight M88 recovery trucks, stated the official.
It is believed that the US military aid package is around $400 million (£322 million).
Following diplomatic discussions between the United States and Germany, a joint conclusion was reached.
US sending tanks to Ukraine
This morning, Mr. Biden also discussed support for Ukraine with French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Yesterday, Moscow cautioned Berlin that sending tanks “would not auger well for future ties”. And warned the United States that such a step would be a “blatant provocation” if it were authorized.
Concerns that he may escalate the war or make Germany a target delayed the German chancellor’s decision.
In a statement, it was stated that “battle tanks with German crosses would be transported to the ‘eastern front’ once more. Which will certainly result in the death of not only Russian soldiers but also civilians.”
“It ruins the last vestiges of confidence, causes irreversible harm to the already awful condition of Russian-German ties, and throws doubt on the likelihood of their normalization shortly,” the statement continued.
Kyiv has pleaded with Western nations for months to provide modern combat tanks to equip its forces with the firepower and mobility necessary to break through Russian defensive lines and retake seized territory.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a statement on Wednesday. “This decision is consistent with our well-established policy of providing full support to Ukraine.” Internationally, we are acting in a highly coordinated manner.
He told the German parliament that neither ground soldiers nor fighter jets would be sent to Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy asserts that, despite Ukraine’s stockpiles of Soviet-made tanks, his soldiers need bigger, faster, and more lethal weapons, specifically Western tanks, to push the Russians back.
Some of Germany’s allies were frustrated by the delay in granting permission for the Leopards to travel to Ukraine.
For the first time since World War II, German tanks will engage in combat on European soil.
Concerns that he may escalate the war or make Germany a target delayed the German chancellor’s decision.
“German battle tanks will fight on a European battlefield for the first time since World War II,” she said.
“The chancellor had to reconcile the needs of the Ukrainian people with Germany’s safety and assistance.”
Recent surveys indicate that Germans are divided on this issue.
The German decision follows the United Kingdom’s announcement that it would provide 14 Challenger 2 tanks, which was widely seen as an attempt to persuade other European allies to provide Leopards, of which there are significantly more stockpiles.
‘Big step towards stopping Russia’
The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, lauded the move as “the correct choice by NATO allies and friends.”
“Together with Challenger 2s, they will enhance Ukraine’s defensive firepower. Together, we are stepping up our efforts to guarantee Ukraine wins this conflict and establishes a durable peace “he stated.
“A huge step towards halting Russia,” said Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who questioned Germany’s hesitation.
This week, Putin said he might organise a “smaller coalition” to send tanks to Ukraine.
“A whiff of panic” toward Russia
According to British intelligence, Russia’s most advanced tank was hurried to the battlefield despite not being completely operational.
In recent months, deployed Russian forces were hesitant to accept the first batch of T-14 vehicles allotted to them since the vehicles were in such terrible shape, according to the UK Ministry of Defense’s most recent tweet.
“In the past three years, Russian officials have openly described issues with the T-14’s engine and thermal imaging systems. It is unclear exactly what elements of the vehicles provoked this reaction.
“Therefore, it is unlikely that any deployed T-14 tanks will have met the normative requirements for new equipment to be designated operational,” the Department of Defense noted.
After Germany’s choice, Russia has deployed its newest tank despite shortcomings, according to former Air Vice-Marshal Sean Bell.
“There’s just a smell of panic over Russia’s response here,” he said.
“Russia recognises how crucial tanks, specifically Western tanks to Ukraine, may be in this conflict.”
“Worldwide calamity”
The Leopard 2, which debuted in 1979, provides excellent protection against armor-piercing bullets and anti-tank-guided weapons.
Germany has stated that it intends to immediately begin training Ukrainian tank operators. Additionally, logistics, ammo, and maintenance will be included in the package.
State Duma chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of Russia’s lower house of parliament, stated on Sunday. “The proliferation of offensive weaponry to the Kyiv government would precipitate a worldwide disaster”.
If Washington and NATO send weapons that would be used to attack civilian cities and capture our territory. As they threaten to do, retaliation with more powerful weapons would ensue.
