Western tanks — political and military boost for Ukraine

Germany’s move to deliver battle tanks to Ukraine, expected to be followed by a similar announcement from the US, marks a politically weighty step that could also offer Kyiv increased ability to breach Russian lines.

After weeks of pressure from Ukraine and other allies, Berlin finally agreed to send 14 of its Leopard 2 tanks, seen as among the best in the world.

The move also opens the way for other European nations that operate Leopards to send tanks from their own fleets to Ukraine, further building up the combined-arms arsenal Kyiv needs to launch counter-offensives.

“From offering 5,000 helmets to sending the Leos into Ukraine,” commented German Marshall Fund researcher Bruno Lete, referring to a widelymocked early German contribution to Ukraine’s war effort.

“In less than a year, Germany deconstructed seven decades of pacifist policy” since World War II. “Perhaps reluctantly — but still a major Zeitenwende (turning point) in its own right.”

Britain has already promised a similar number of Challenger tanks, while media reports suggest an American announcement is coming soon.

President Joe Biden will address Americans at 17:00 GMT on Wednesday about US support for Ukraine, the White House announced.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday indicated Paris was also considering sending French-made heavy Leclerc tanks for Ukraine.

Coming on top of lighter vehicles promised by Berlin, Paris and Washington earlier this month, the united front behind Kyiv marks a setback for Russia, which has long been banking on Western support for its neighbour running out of steam.

Fears in some capitals — especially Berlin — that the front-line battle tanks could be seen as a new step in escalation appear to have been soothed, not least in light of taboos that have already fallen since the Russian war.

“Howitzers and multiple rocket launchers delivered in 2022 were just as serious, if not more so than tanks, because artillery is more powerful” in deciding military engagements, Ukrainian military analyst Mykola Bielieskov said. —