(UnitedVoice.com) – The US has sent billions of dollars to Ukraine in the form of humanitarian aid and military equipment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his administration have repeatedly asked for more. Even American lawmakers have agreed that the war-torn country that was invaded by Russia needs more specialized equipment to fend off attacks.
Ukraine has requested the US and its allies send it tanks for months. However, there was some concern about whether or not that was the right thing to do. Recently, as the war approaches its one-year anniversary, some Western countries have agreed to send the tanks the Ukrainians desire — including the United States.
Biden Administration Agrees
On Wednesday, January 25, President Joe Biden spoke to the American people and informed them the US is going to send 31 Abram tanks to Ukraine. The POTUS explained that spring is around the corner, and the Ukrainian military will need “to be able to counter Russia’s evolving tactics and strategy on the battlefield.”
According to Biden, the number of tanks being sent is the “equivalent of one Ukrainian battalion.” He went on to say the US is going to train the country’s troops to use and maintain them as soon as possible.
Tune in as I deliver remarks on our continued support for Ukraine. https://t.co/kE6LoH14qa
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 25, 2023
The decision by Biden comes after months-long arguments that the tanks would not be a good fit in Ukraine because the soldiers do not know how to use or maintain them. The same day the US made the announcement, BBC reported German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke at a cabinet meeting and confirmed his country is also sending the armored vehicles to Ukraine. The European nation is sending 14 Leopard 2 tanks.
Germany is also allowing other countries, like Poland, to send these armored vehicles to Ukraine. The nation resisted sending them for months because of the possibility that it would escalate a conflict with Russia.
Russian Response
Upon hearing the news, Russia was furious with Germany for its decision. Reuters reported Russia’s German Ambassador Sergei Nechayev said sending tanks is an “extremely dangerous decision” that has taken the “conflict to a new level of confrontation.” What’s more, he said it is going to cause “irreparable damage” to the relationship between it and Germany.
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the country’s Foreign Ministry, claimed the Germans are involved in a “war planned in advance” against Russia.
Russia has also reportedly said it will burn the tanks sent to Ukraine by foreign governments.
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