The United States and Germany have committed to sending advanced battle tanks to Ukraine to support Kyiv in its fight against the Russian invasion to help prepare it for an expected Russian spring offensive.
The US announced to send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, while Germany is sending 14 Leopard 2 tanks to the Russia-Ukraine battlefield.
Ukraine hails twin announcements
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the announcements from the two countries saying it would prove to be a turning point, allowing its troops to regain momentum against Russian forces.
“An important step on the path to victory,” Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said. “Today the free world is united as never before for a common goal – liberation of Ukraine.” Ukraine has long lobbied Western allies for months to send the military equipment.
Blatant provocation
Russia, meanwhile, was quick to condemn the announcements, calling the move a “blatant provocation” and warned that the military vehicles, if supplied, would be destroyed.
“These tanks burn like all the rest. They are just very expensive,” President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman said.
Help not offense
President Joe Biden said while announcing the decision at the White House on Wednesday said they are sending battle tanks to help Ukraine protect its land.
“This is about helping Ukraine defend and protect Ukrainian land. It is not an offensive threat to Russia.” He further said that they are also sending Ukraine the parts and equipment necessary to effectively sustain these tanks in battle.
The US decision shows a change in their earlier stance, where the Biden administration had insisted that the heavy M1 Abrams tanks were not only difficult to deliver but also expensive to maintain and challenging to operate for Ukrainian troops.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed to allow its state-of-the-art Leopard 2 tanks to be sent to Ukraine hours before Biden announced the decision.
While Berlin was concerned about escalating the war, Scholz defended the length of time it took to reach the decision. “We’re talking about very effective weapons systems here, and it’s proper that we never provide those weapons systems alone, but always in close cooperation,” Scholz told lawmakers.
When can the tanks reach?
The US-made M1 Abrams could take several months before they reach the battlefield in Ukraine, as the U.S. does not plan to send the tanks from an existing stockpile, rather it will purchase new battle tanks from private contractors. The US fleet also includes eight recovery vehicles for towing the tanks in case they get stuck.
The German-made Leopard 2 tanks, however, are expected to arrive in two to three months as Berlin plans to draw the military vehicles from existing stock.
While the US-made M1 Abrams is rated as one of the most advanced battle tanks, German Leopard 2 tanks are also considered one of the most effective tanks available.