US and Allied Tanks are heading to Ukraine
Ukraine’s allies have finally understood the reason why Ukraine must defeat russia and how it will accomplish that mission.
The Biden Administration announced on Wednesday, January 25, that it will send 31 of its premier battle tanks to Ukraine, following agreement with Germany to deliver scores of its Leopard 2 tanks from across Europe. The decisions end months of debate among Western allies and pave the way for a major shift in the balance of power on the Ukrainian battlefield.
President Biden said after morning calls with European leaders that the decisions belied russian President Vladimir putin’s belief that the West would eventually tire of its commitment to Ukraine and “break up” their coalition. On the contrary, they are in lockstep toward the single goal of defeating Russia. Even naysayers like Henry Kissinger has accepted this positive outcome for Ukraine.
“We are fully, totally and completely united,” Biden said in a brief address at the White House. “Today’s announcement builds on the hard work and commitment of countries around the world … that’s what this is about — helping Ukraine defend and protect Ukrainian land.” If Russian troops “return to Russia … where they belong,” he said, “this war will be over today.”
The US plan calls for sending 31 tanks to Ukraine — enough for one battalion, one of the administration officials said. The administration also will send eight M88 recovery vehicles, effectively an armored, tracked tow truck. The plan is to transfer the Leopards, currently spread across Europe, in time for Ukraine to defend against an anticipated russian offensive in the spring, and to launch its own counteroffensive.
In Europe, the goal is to quickly assemble two Leopard tank battalions — equivalent to at least 70 tanks. As a first step, Germany will provide a company of 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from its army’s stocks, the government in Berlin said in a statement. European allies, notably the former captive nations of russian subjugation will also provide tanks with German approval. Poland and a number of other European members of NATO had indicated they are prepared to send Leopard 2s. Finland, Greece, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey all own at least 100 of them.
Germany’s Ministry of Defense said it aims for the tanks to be on the battlefield by the end of March. That leaves a tight window for logistics and training — which is expected to begin within days.
This is the kind of needed allied dedication and cooperation that defeated the last state terrorist Nazi Germany eight decades ago.
In a related matter, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), representing one of the largest Ukrainian American communities in the United States, today praised the announcement by President Biden, German Chancellor Scholz, and other governments that they will send a massive package of new military and economic support to Ukraine to aid its soldiers in expelling the murderous russian invaders.
“For the last year, the Ukrainian people have been fighting for their very survival,” said Rep. Pascrell. “Russia is pursuing a war of extermination against Ukraine. Russians are butchering women and children, destroying cities, and seeking nothing less than the very extinguishment of Ukraine as a nation-state. Against all odds, Ukraine has fought back and is winning. But Ukraine can only expel the invaders with the full, unremitting help of the civilized world. I have long supported military aid to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. We must arm Ukraine with the weapons it needs to ensure Ukrainian victory and save countless innocent lives.
“I thank President Biden for convincing the German government and our allies around the world to do the right thing today. President Biden’s international leadership, particularly during the crisis in Ukraine, has been outstanding. Emerging from the catastrophic tenure of his predecessor, President Biden has resuscitated American leadership and united the world in defense of democracy. Today America again leads the Arsenal of Democracy.”
Ukraine’s allies have finally understood the reason why Ukraine must defeat russia and how it will accomplish that mission.
The Biden Administration announced on Wednesday, January 25, that it will send 31 of its premier battle tanks to Ukraine, following agreement with Germany to deliver scores of its Leopard 2 tanks from across Europe. The decisions end months of debate among Western allies and pave the way for a major shift in the balance of power on the Ukrainian battlefield.
President Biden said after morning calls with European leaders that the decisions belied russian President Vladimir putin’s belief that the West would eventually tire of its commitment to Ukraine and “break up” their coalition. On the contrary, they are in lockstep toward the single goal of defeating Russia. Even naysayers like Henry Kissinger has accepted this positive outcome for Ukraine.
“We are fully, totally and completely united,” Biden said in a brief address at the White House. “Today’s announcement builds on the hard work and commitment of countries around the world … that’s what this is about — helping Ukraine defend and protect Ukrainian land.” If Russian troops “return to Russia … where they belong,” he said, “this war will be over today.”
The US plan calls for sending 31 tanks to Ukraine — enough for one battalion, one of the administration officials said. The administration also will send eight M88 recovery vehicles, effectively an armored, tracked tow truck. The plan is to transfer the Leopards, currently spread across Europe, in time for Ukraine to defend against an anticipated russian offensive in the spring, and to launch its own counteroffensive.
In Europe, the goal is to quickly assemble two Leopard tank battalions — equivalent to at least 70 tanks. As a first step, Germany will provide a company of 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from its army’s stocks, the government in Berlin said in a statement. European allies, notably the former captive nations of russian subjugation will also provide tanks with German approval. Poland and a number of other European members of NATO had indicated they are prepared to send Leopard 2s. Finland, Greece, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey all own at least 100 of them.
Germany’s Ministry of Defense said it aims for the tanks to be on the battlefield by the end of March. That leaves a tight window for logistics and training — which is expected to begin within days.
This is the kind of needed allied dedication and cooperation that defeated the last state terrorist Nazi Germany eight decades ago.
In a related matter, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), representing one of the largest Ukrainian American communities in the United States, today praised the announcement by President Biden, German Chancellor Scholz, and other governments that they will send a massive package of new military and economic support to Ukraine to aid its soldiers in expelling the murderous russian invaders.
“For the last year, the Ukrainian people have been fighting for their very survival,” said Rep. Pascrell. “Russia is pursuing a war of extermination against Ukraine. Russians are butchering women and children, destroying cities, and seeking nothing less than the very extinguishment of Ukraine as a nation-state. Against all odds, Ukraine has fought back and is winning. But Ukraine can only expel the invaders with the full, unremitting help of the civilized world. I have long supported military aid to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. We must arm Ukraine with the weapons it needs to ensure Ukrainian victory and save countless innocent lives.
“I thank President Biden for convincing the German government and our allies around the world to do the right thing today. President Biden’s international leadership, particularly during the crisis in Ukraine, has been outstanding. Emerging from the catastrophic tenure of his predecessor, President Biden has resuscitated American leadership and united the world in defense of democracy. Today America again leads the Arsenal of Democracy.”
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