US President Joe Biden only approved the delivery of Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine because of pressure from Germany, according to the White House.
“He originally decided not to send them because his military said they wouldn’t be useful on the battlefield in this fight,” Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan told ABC on Sunday.
German Leopard tanks, on the other hand, were considered useful. “But the Germans told the president they weren’t ready to send these leopards into battle… until the president agreed to send Abrams too,” Sullivan said.
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In the interest of “alliance unity” and “to make sure Ukraine gets what it wants,” Biden has agreed to a long-term supply of Abrams tanks – although Abrams are not what Ukraine needs right now, Sullivan said.
“These leopards are being sent now and this is an example of Joe Biden bringing the global alliance together to give Ukraine what it needs.” Sullivan was answering a question in the interview about Abrams tanks not coming to Ukraine this year. .
Scholz at the White House on Friday
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hesitated for a long time to send German Leopard main battle tanks – until the US, in turn, agreed to supply Abrams tanks. Scholz always emphasizes close coordination with NATO’s largest and most influential member. The SPD politician is due to visit the White House on Friday.
After the commitment to deliver Abrams tanks, the US emphasized that this did not just serve to clear the way for deliveries of Allied tanks. US main battle tanks would give Ukraine an advantage on the battlefield, a Pentagon spokeswoman said after the engagement.
The Pentagon had previously stated that it did not consider supplying the Abrams tank practical for practical reasons. The US government is now ordering the tanks for Ukraine from industry – meaning they don’t come from the military’s own stockpiles. It may take some time for the tanks to reach Ukraine.
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