US and Germany to send tanks to Ukraine – reports
After months of pressure, the US and Germany are reportedly preparing to send tanks to Ukraine, in what Kyiv hopes to be a game-changer on the battlefield.
US president Joe Biden is expected to announce plans to send at least 30 M1 Abrams tanks.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is reportedly planning on sending at least 14 Leopard 2 tanks. He is set to speak in parliament on Wednesday morning.
Russia’s ambassador to the US said the news was “another blatant provocation.” And the Kremlin spokesman said Germany’s reported decision would “bring nothing good” and leave “a lasting mark” on relations with Russia.
Ukraine says they need heavier weapons and battle tanks could help Kyiv’s forces seize back territory from the Russians.
The US and Germany had resisted pressure to end their tanks to Ukraine – the US cites extensive training and maintenance required for the high-tech tanks, whilst Germany’s stance had been not wanting to escalate the conflict and make Nato a direct party to the war.
US media says the US announcement could come as soon as Wednesday, but the timing remains unclear, and it could take months for the tanks to reach Ukraine.
Germany had reportedly insisted they would only send tanks if the US also sent theirs.
“If the Germans continue to say we will only send or release Leopards on the conditions that Americans send Abrams, we should send Abrams,” Democratic Senator Chris Coons, a Biden ally, told Politico on Tuesday.
Britain has already said it will send Challenger Two tanks to Ukraine.
