US President Biden Wednesday announcement that he plans to send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine This led the government to persistently resist Kyiv’s requests for highly sophisticated but heavily maintained tanks.
Biden said in a White House speech that US support to help Ukraine “Defend their sovereignty” and sending tanks is not meant to be. “Aggressive Threat”
Biden’s announcement comes after Germany confirmed on Wednesday that it would send 14 Leopard 2 tanks from its own stock to Ukraine. The two countries appeared to be at odds as German officials stated that Berlin would only send them. leopard 2 tank to Ukraine if the US sends M-1 Abrams tanks
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Why this is important: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told CNN’s Kate Bolduan on Wednesday’s “At This Hour” that the tanks “will greatly strengthen” the combat capabilities of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Kyiv. Constantly requesting modern tanks from the western allies. As his country prepares for a massive spring retaliation against Russia,
With both the U.S. and Germany pledging to ship tanks to Ukraine, other countries, especially countries with German-made tanks. CNN has also announced front-line support. CNN can’t confirm the total number of Leopard 2 tanks that will be delivered. but make a promise by many countries until now It means that the Ukrainian army is in defense of dozens of tanks. Germany’s main ruling party said on Wednesday that Ukraine’s western ally would send the country. Approximately 80 Leopard 2s in total. main battle tank
Why send tanks now: Sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine will provide Kyiv’s forces with modern and powerful military vehicles ahead of the Russian spring offensive. It will also have a negative effect on the Kremlin. This has seen an increasing campaign to equip the Ukrainian Armed Forces with high-tech combat systems. As the Russian ground war nears its one year anniversary,
Before Biden’s announcement, top US officials has framed the decision as investing in Ukraine’s “long-term capability,” an indication that the administration sees the now 11-month-long war extending into the future. Ukraine hopes the new tanks will help recapture territories captured by Russia, including in the Donbas, possibly including Crimea. The peninsula was annexed by Russia in 2014.
Possible challenges: The Abrams will take several months to arrive. A senior Biden administration official said, and there will be extensive training for the Ukrainian military on how to use and service it. The US must explore complex supply chains for the components needed for tanks.
The procurement process will take several months. The official said, although German Leopards will arrive shortly, in the meantime, the US will begin a “comprehensive training program” for Ukrainians aboard the Abrams, which will require major maintenance once they are put into service. The training takes place outside of Ukraine.
Portuguese Foreign Minister said wednesday It will take a few months before Western donated Leopard 2 tanks become fully operational in Ukraine.
Watch CNN’s Jim Sciutto analyze the latest tanks:
CNN’s Kevin Liptak, Stephanie Halasz, Sophie Tanno, and Sugam Pokharel contributed reporting to this post.
