Western capitals disagree about sending modern heavy tanks to Ukraine, which until recently was considered taboo for Kyiv’s allies.

Such tanks, according to the Financial Times, are considered essential to Ukraine’s efforts to retake territory from Russia, which has mobilized 150,000 troops for a new offensive. Moscow has also put the country’s defense industry on a combat course to rearm its forces. The next six months are critical for both parties.

Why are some countries willing to send modern tanks?

In a word, they will help Ukraine break the impasse on the battlefield and retake its territory from the Russian occupation forces.

Western tanks such as the American M1 Abrams, the British Challenger 2 or the German Leopard 2 will give the Ukrainian army extra firepower to crush Russia’s defense lines and seize the military initiative before Moscow does. They may also prove useful in protecting Ukrainian positions from a possible renewed Russian offensive in the coming weeks.

Tanks are the most important element of the so-called combined arms maneuvers – mobile operations involving infantry and artillery – to seize territory. In addition, Western tanks will give Ukraine an edge over Russian tanks because they have better armor, more accurate guns, and more advanced control and navigation systems, such as allowing them to fight at night.

Why is Leopard 2 topping Kyiv’s wishlist?

The German Leopard has the same capabilities as the American-made Abrams or the British Challenger, but, according to military experts, it also has some advantages. It is lighter and simpler in terms of fuel than the American one, which is driven by an energy-intensive gas turbine engine. It is considered more reliable than the Challenger.

But the decisive advantage is its availability. Thirteen European armies operate around 2,000 Leopard 2 tanks, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. But this is a big pool for Ukraine. There are also many sources of spare parts and maintenance specialists.

Does Ukraine already have tanks?

Yes many. He had his own fleet of Soviet-era tanks. It has captured more than 500 tanks of Russian troops since their full invasion last February. He also purchased 240 T-72s from Poland and the Czech Republic. But he loses a lot of tanks to enemy fire – perhaps up to 130 a month, according to Gustav Gressel of the European Council on Foreign Relations.

Among Ukraine’s allies, there are only a few sources of ammunition and spare parts for Soviet-era tanks. So, as in the case of artillery, Ukraine must switch to Western equipment, otherwise it risks being left without shells and spare parts.

This is another advantage of the Leopard 2: if a potentially large supply of it is available, it will simplify logistics for the Ukrainian forces, since repairs, spare parts and ammunition will remain the same.

NATO allies sent armored vehicles. Why such hesitation about tanks?

Several governments, including the United States, Germany, Britain, France and Sweden, have donated infantry fighting vehicles and other armored fighting vehicles to Ukraine.

The US said it would donate at least 59 Bradleys and 90 Strykers, while Germany would provide Marders. These armored personnel carriers are also equipped with powerful weapons, which will give Ukraine additional offensive capabilities.

This month, France said it would send an unspecified number of armored AMX-10 “tank destroyer” vehicles, which some analysts believe are light tanks.

However, Western main battle tanks, with their tracks, sophisticated fire control systems and heavy weaponry, provide a level of firepower that the Western Allies are unwilling to cede to Kyiv.

Last week the UK tried to break that taboo by announcing it would send 14 Challenger tanks to Ukraine. The numbers have no military significance, but the decision set a precedent that the UK hoped would encourage other countries to follow suit soon.

However, the US has said it will not send Abrams tanks because it is too difficult for Ukraine to maintain them, while suitable alternatives abound in the region, such as the Leopard in particular. The German government refrained from sending the Leopards, given the risk that Russia would perceive the move as an escalation that could draw NATO into the conflict.

Why is the role of Germany so decisive?

Under the terms of the export contracts, Berlin’s approval is required if other governments want to transfer the Leopard tanks to Kyiv.

Germany has about 350 Leopard 2s of its own, although it is not clear how many are in full working order. Boris Pistorius, Germany’s new defense minister, said on Friday that the military will begin a technical assessment of the readiness of its fleet of tanks before making a final decision on whether to send them.

Chancellor Olaf Soltz worries that since deliveries of Leopard tanks to Kyiv are effectively dependent on his support, any green light from Moscow will be taken as an escalation by the Berlin leadership. That’s why Scholz wants the US to agree to send tanks before giving their consent.

Source: Financial Times.