We need missiles as well as tanks, says Kyiv

Ukraine last night said it expects the West will send long-range missiles capable of striking almost 200 miles behind Russian lines. The sophisticated weapons systems would be used to target Russia’s fragile supply chains, hitting ammunition depots, warehouses and other infrastructure critical to supporting its invasion. It came after Washington announced it would send 31 M1 Abrams tanks and Germany committed to sending Leopard 2 tanks.

Q How does the tank deal work?

A Germany has agreed to send its own Leopard 2 tanks and grant export licences to its allies so they can also send theirs. The German-made armoured vehicles will form roughly two battalions of about 40-50 tanks each. The Leopards will be joined by Challenger 2 tanks from Britain and Abram tanks from the US.

Q How long will it take to send them?

A There is no concrete timetable in place for getting Nato-standard tanks onto the battlefield in Ukraine. There are still questions over how many of the tanks promised to Kyiv are combat ready. There is also the issue of training Ukrainian crews to operate the heavy armour. Most of Kyiv’s Western backers hope the tanks will be in operation before Russia has the opportunity to launch any new offensives. The Us-made Abrams will take longer. The promised 30-50 tanks will not be supplied from existing stocks but will probably be newly built, meaning they may not arrive for more than a year.

Q Will they make a difference?

A Nato experts believe that with enough tanks, Ukraine would be able to push into Russian-held areas previously unreachable with the equipment its soldiers once had. With the conflict at a stalemate, military experts believe Russia and Ukraine are planning fresh offensives in the spring, when the mud dries. Without tanks, Ukraine has often been unable to break through Russian defensive lines. Combining heavy artillery, heavy armour and lighter infantry fighting vehicles in combined operations, as practised by Western armies, would give Ukraine a new edge.

Q What comes next after the tanks?

A The West has been careful not to give offensive weapons to Kyiv for fear of provoking Vladimir Putin. But as Ukraine’s chances of winning have increased, the West could consider sending longer range missiles and fighter jets.