After weeks of hesitation, the German government has finally provided Ukraine with Leopard 2 battle tanks and endorsed similar requests from other nations. The move is seen as a show of support for Ukraine and a message to Russia that they will not tolerate aggression towards their neighbor.
Ukraine will receive one company of Leopard 2 A6 tanks, or 14 vehicles, from the German government. Two battalions of 88 German-made Leopards are to be provided to Ukraine by Germany and its allies in the long run. This decision came after U.S. officials revealed on Tuesday that the United States has tentatively agreed to send M1 Abrams tanks to aid Ukraine’s forces in pushing back Russian forces, who remain entrenched in the nation’s east almost a year after the Russian invasion.
“This is the result of intensive consultations, once again, with our allies and international partners,” said Chancellor Olaf Scholz in an address to German lawmakers. He added, “It was right and it is important that we didn’t let ourselves be driven (into making the decision).”
Upon hearing the news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his satisfaction. The decision allows several European countries, who have already equipped their armies with Leopard 2 tanks, to now transfer some of their stocks to Ukraine as well. Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter, “German main battle tanks, further broadening of defense support and training missions, green light for partners to supply similar weapons. Just heard about these important and timely decisions in a call with Olaf Scholz. Sincerely grateful to the chancellor and all our friends in (Germany)”.
The long-awaited decision came as a relief to Ukraine and its allies, who have been calling for increased support to deter Russia from further aggression. The tanks will be used to help Ukraine defend itself and push back Russian forces that have been entrenched in the country’s east since Russia’s invasion in 2014.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Germany’s decision, stating that it can help Ukraine defend itself and prevail as an independent nation. However, Russia has criticized the decision as escalating the conflict and not being interested in a diplomatic resolution. Russia’s ambassador to Germany, Sergey Nechayev, branded Berlin’s choice to deploy Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine “extremely dangerous.”
The tanks will be modern Western-designed tanks, as opposed to Soviet-era models that were previously supplied to Ukraine. This is a significant move, as it will not only increase Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also sends a message to Russia that the West will not tolerate aggression towards its neighbors.
It is not yet clear when or how the tanks will be delivered to Ukraine, or how soon they will have an impact on the battlefield. Military analysts have suggested that Russian forces are preparing for a spring offensive. The situation in Ukraine remains complicated and tense, and the provision of tanks is just one aspect of the ongoing conflict. A political solution to the crisis remains elusive, and it remains to be seen how effective the tanks will be in resolving the situation.
However, the move also has a political significance, as it could potentially strain the relations between Germany and Russia. Germany’s decision to supply Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks is a long-awaited one, with the country previously hesitating and consulting with allies and international partners before making a decision. The move ties the US into the decision in order to share the risk of any backlash from Russia.
The decision also has historical significance, as German-made tanks will be facing off against Russian tanks in Ukraine once again, which is not an easy thought for Germany given its responsibility for World War II. However, as Ekkehard Brose, head of the German military’s Federal Academy for Security Policy stated, “And yet it is the right decision,” arguing that it is up to Western democracies to help Ukraine stop Russia’s military aggression.
The provision of tanks to Ukraine is a clear sign of support from Germany and the US, and a message to Russia that their actions will not be tolerated. While some experts have raised concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict, it is important for Ukraine to have the necessary defense capabilities to protect itself and deter Russia from further aggression.
It remains to be seen how this move will impact the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, and whether it will bring a resolution to the conflict. However, it is clear that the provision of tanks is a significant step in increasing Ukraine’s defense capabilities and sending a message to Russia that the West will not stand idly by as they continue to violate the sovereignty of their neighbor.
