Ukraine War: Update

The U.S has provided billions of dollars in military support to Ukraine, they recently added another $2.5 billion worth of weaponry and equipment. Including armored Bradley vehicles, stykermine, MRAP, gas turbines, and backup power for any cut-off water and heating supplies. The Ramstein meeting held in Germany included discussions regarding war efforts. There was one anticipated question waiting to be answered. Would Ukraine be receiving their pleaded tanks?  They have been seeking a supply of two of the best military tanks in the world to be prepared for an expected spring offensive from Russia, yet they have failed to receive them. 

 At the meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had stated, “But hundreds of ‘thank yous’ are not hundreds of tanks.” 

He goes on to regard the topic of the spring offensive, “We have no doubt that the current masters of Russia will throw everything they have left and everyone they can muster to try to turn the tide of the war and at least postpone their defeat.”

The prolonged delay of the AbramsX Tanks along with Germany’s Leopard ones arise from different factors. America states that these tanks run on jet fuel, which is hard to acquire, and are concerned about the difficult training the Ukrainian troops would need to manage the heavy equipment. On the other hand, the Leopard tanks include a less complex engine that runs on diesel making it easier to maneuver. 

However, Germany’s worry is that by sending the tanks the war would escalate, specifically between NATO’s allies and Russia. This decision would just feed onto the impressions Putin is holding onto. Putin has already accused NATO of aggression for sending Weapons to Ukraine to fight against them. Putin also stated that his reasons for waging the war included his attempt to “Denazify” Ukraine, an idea that he might defend if Germany were to send their tanks.

 This pressured decision has been in the hands of Olaf Scholz, the chancellor of Germany. His consent will allow the sendoff of Leopard 2 tanks from countries that have long been ready, like Poland and Finland, that are unable to send their own because of export restrictions. 

Nonetheless, as of Jan. 25 America and Germany have made their final decisions. Their  M1 Abrams are now set to arrive alongside Leopard 2 tanks giving Ukraine a better chance to protect and regain their territory. The equipment and training needed to operate the machines will be provided by the governments, so it will still take months for it to be battle-ready.  

18% of Ukrainian territory has been taken by Russia, however, they managed to reclaim 54% that they lost since the war began. They are unable to take control of Kyiv, which is their main target, where the spring offensive is expected to take place. Russia has committed war crimes, namely, murder of civilians, refugees and hospitals being targeted,sexual assaults, and kidnappings. With the new arsenal Ukraine plans to make progress and continue to gain the upper hand.