After weeks of feverish behind-the-scenes fermentation and exchanges between advisers and experts, the chancellor finally got what he so desperately wanted.
DW Irini Anastasopoulou
The time coordination between Germany and the USA was a complete success and the aim was to demonstrate how united the two countries are in their efforts to support the Ukrainians.
Yesterday morning, shortly after Olaf Scholz informed the German cabinet that Germany would not only deliver Leopards from its own stockpiles, but also give the green light to partners and allies to do the same, on the other hand of the Atlantic, the American president was calling reporters to the White House for statements.
To his right is Anthony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, and to his left is Lloyd Austin, the Secretary of Defense.
“It will take time”
After weeks of feverish behind-the-scenes fermentation and exchanges between advisers and experts, the chancellor finally got what he so desperately wanted.
Not to appear that his country is leading a war campaign against Russia. And the confirmation came through the mouth of Joe Biden.
“Today, I am announcing that the US will send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Secretary Austin recommended this step because it will enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory and achieve its strategic goals. Abrams tanks are the most capable tanks in the world. They are also extremely complex to operate and maintain».
The American president also stated that “we also give Ukraine spare parts and equipment necessary to effectively maintain these tanks on the battlefield. We will begin training Ukrainian troops in these maintenance and supply matters as soon as possible. Delivering these tanks to the battlefield will take time».
According to what is written in the international press, the discussions that preceded the decision to deliver tanks lasted a long time and the main argument was that Moscow should not be given the impression that the western front is showing cracks.
“They are not a threat to Russia”
Perhaps the phone call that took place on January 17 between Scholz-Biden, shortly before the Ramstein Conference, was exactly what made the US change its mind and agree to Abrams, despite the fact that, as the American president himself said, they are extremely difficult to handle.
In order not to accuse the American side of oligarchy, the director of communications of the National Security Council, John Sullivan, told reporters that the US has never ruled out the delivery of tanks and that they do not threaten Russia.
“These tanks are intended to help Ukraine fight effectively in the open field, defend its sovereignty and territory, and win back territories taken from it by the Russians. And as the president said, they are not an aggressive threat to Russia. Are they a threat to Russian soldiers? They certainly are, but not for… Russian soldiers who are not in Ukraine. Not for Russia itself».
Thus the way was opened for other countries that one after the other are now declaring that they want to join another “alliance of the willing” with Leopard deliveries. A huge Western enterprise on a practical level that, under these dimensions, seems to have no precedent.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
