Germany and the United States announced on Wednesday that they will be delivering advanced armored vehicles to Ukraine, with the intention of providing a formidable “armored punching force” to assist Kyiv in breaking combat stalemates as the Russian invasion enters its twelfth month.
This marks the initial phase of a synchronized effort by the West to supply dozens of heavy weapons, which Ukrainian military commanders believe will enable counter-offensives, decrease casualties and replenish dwindling ammunition reserves.
The American President, Joe Biden, announced that the United States will be providing 31 M1 Abrams tanks, reversing months of persistent objections by Washington that they were too challenging for Ukrainian troops to operate and maintain.
The decision by the United States to provide these tanks follows Germany’s agreement to send 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from its own inventory. Germany had previously refused to send the Leopards unless the United States also offered its Abrams tanks, as it did not want to provoke Russia’s wrath without the United States also making a similar commitment.
