Germany agrees to send tanks to Ukraine; US expected to announce it will send Abrams tanks

Ukrainians Protest For Delivery Of Leopard Tanks BERLIN, GERMANY - JANUARY 20: A protester holds a sign that reads "Free the leopards Olaf Scholz" as demonstrators, many of them expatriate Ukrainians living in Berlin, protest under the motto: "Free the Leopards" outside the Chancellery to demand that Germany send Ukraine Leopard battle tanks on January 20, 2023 in Berlin, Germany. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, facing increasing pressure from Germany's allies, has indicated he is willing to allow the delivery of the German-made tanks to Ukraine under certain conditions. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images/Getty Images)

Both the United States and Germany are planning to send tanks to Ukraine to aid in its fight against Russia, according to The Associated Press.

>> Read more trending news

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Wednesday that Germany had decided to not only send 14 of its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine but to allow other nations that have the Leopard tanks to send their own.

Germany manufactures the tank and sells them to other European countries, but those countries must get permission to re-export the Leopard 2.

The German government said it would initially provide Ukraine with one company of Leopard 2 A6 tanks, or 14 vehicles. Eventually, Germany and its allies will send 88 tanks to Ukraine, government officials said.

“This decision follows our well-known line of supporting Ukraine to the best of our ability,” Scholz said after a Cabinet meeting in Berlin.

The announcement to send at least 14 tanks came after Germany faced international pressure to aid Ukraine in its nearly year-long war against Russia, The New York Times reported.

Poland, which is planning to send 14 Leopard tanks, had threatened to do so with or without Berlin’s permission.

However, on Tuesday, Poland formally requested German authorization for re-export.

According to The Washington Post, President Joe Biden will announce Wednesday that the U.S. plans to send 30 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, a senior U.S. official with knowledge of the situation said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The source said the tanks likely would not be sent until the fall.

The decision to send the Abrams tanks comes just days after the Biden administration argued against sending the tanks.

Germany has said for weeks that it would not send the Leopard tanks if the U.S. does not send Abrams to Ukraine.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the decision to send the tanks followed a Jan. 17 call between Biden and Scholz in which Biden agreed to look into providing the Abrams tanks against the judgment of the Pentagon.

Military officials have said the tanks would be too difficult for Ukraine to quickly learn to use, and they may not have the resources to maintain the vehicles.

0
Comments on this article
0
On Air101.5 The Vibe - Tampa Bay’s only R&B Logo

mobile apps

Everything you love about 1015vibe.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

smart speakers

Ask your smart speaker to play 101.5 The Vibe.