German Tank Is Welcomed By Ukraine As A “1st Step”

Germany’s decision to provide Leopard 2 tanks to assist in its battle against Russia’s invasion has been welcomed by Ukraine as a “first step.”  

The statement, which came after weeks of resistance in Berlin and external pressure, was lauded by allies as the “correct move.”    

The “very risky” action, according to Russia, would intensify the fight and cause the tanks to “burn.”  

According to Ukraine, it needs powerful weaponry to retake territories from Russia.  

Olaf Scholz, the chancellor of Germany, asked Germans who were concerned about the decision to trust him and insisted that it was the right thing to help Ukraine.  

The chancellor told members of the Bundestag that it was “right that we didn’t just be swept away” in response to Berlin’s prior hesitation to send tanks.

Germany will provide 14 of the vehicles as a “starting step,” according to Mr. Scholz, but its ultimate objective is to create two battalions of the vehicles for Ukraine.  

Additionally, Germany let other nations, like as Poland, to transfer their Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine’s front line, which was previously prohibited by export laws.    

Germany is among the top three single suppliers of military aid and one of the primary sources of humanitarian help to Ukraine, despite prior charges of foot-dragging by Chancellor Scholz.  

The government of US Vice President Joe Biden is also anticipated to make arrangements on Wednesday to deliver at least 30 M1 Abrams tanks. In recent weeks, there have been rumours that the US’s intention to send tanks was a prerequisite for the German chancellor’s decision to send them. Why Germany delayed sending tanks to Ukraine The potential supplies of combat tanks, according to the Russian ambassador in Washington, are “yet another brazen provocation.”  

The Abrams combat tanks will “burn like all the others,” the Kremlin said earlier on Wednesday, dismissing the anticipated supplies as “simply extremely costly.”    

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, expressed his “sincere gratitude” to Germany for sending the tanks, calling the move “essential” and “timely.”   He said that the action gave partners “green light” to provide comparable weaponry.  

Although President Zelensky’s purchase of tanks from the West would be seen as a diplomatic success, he stated in his address on Tuesday night that his nation will require even more tanks than have been offered so far. He thinks that in order to destroy Russia, his nation needs at least 300 combat tanks.   NATO and other European allies of Germany have praised the choice. According to Rishi Sunak, the British prime minister, it will “increase Ukraine’s defence might.”    

Mateusz Morawiecki, the prime minister of Poland, congratulated Germany and hailed the move as “a huge step towards halting Russia.”  

In addition to supplying Leopard tanks, Mr. Morawiecki said on Tuesday that his government will soon be sending 50 to 60 additional older Soviet-era tanks to Ukraine.   The decision by Germany, according to the secretary general of Nato, came at a “critical point in Russia’s fight” and will “assist Ukraine to defend itself, win, and succeed as an independent nation.”  

Germany confirms it will send tanks to Ukraine

Germany won’t block tank exports – foreign minister

The German defence minister was referred to as “a moron” by presenter Vladimir Solovyov on Russian state television on Tuesday night.   He declared that the appearance of German tanks in Ukraine would cause us to legitimately strike German land, military installations, and other locations.    

Although Russia opted to invade Ukraine, the Kremlin’s narrative portrays the West as the aggressor, according to Steve Rosenberg, the Russia Editor for the BBC.   Russian officials inform their citizens that NATO is at war with Russia in Ukraine, led by the United States.  

This story will be supported by Germany’s plan to send tanks to Ukraine. It still seems improbable that Ukraine would receive the 300 new main battle tanks it claims it needs to win the conflict.  

However, if six Western countries each provide 14 tanks, the total would reach about 100, which may make a difference.     Western tanks, such as the Challenger 2 from the UK, the Leopard 2 from Germany, and the Abrams from the US, are all seen to be superior to T-72s and other tanks from the Soviet era.   They will boost the protection, quickness, and accuracy of Ukrainian crews.  

But on their own, Western contemporary main combat tanks are neither a magical weapon or paradigm-shifter. It is also what is provided in addition to them. There has been a significant increase in the amount of heavy weaponry given by the West in recent weeks, including hundreds of armoured vehicles, artillery systems, and ammunition.  

They form the sort of military equipment required to breach Russian defences and regain territory.     Ukrainian forces might play a significant role in any spring onslaught if they are trained and equipped in a timely manner. Air power remains a crucial component for offensive operations.  

Since the start of the conflict, Ukraine has requested sophisticated combat planes from the West. None has been supplied as of yet.