The invasion of Ukraine completes 11 months this Tuesday (24) with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) breaking yet another taboo: the supply of tanks to the Ukrainians. The delivery of this type of weapon marks a new objective: not only to prevent Russian victory, but to enable Ukrainian victory.
The United States took the lead by deciding to send its Bradley tanks, used in the Vietnam War and already withdrawn from operation in the American Army, but which are still in full condition to be used. Then came France, with their AMX10-RC, and the United Kingdom, with the Challengers 2.
Germany, however, has been charged to supply its Leopard 2s, and to authorize European countries that have these tanks to ship them to Ukraine. As a manufacturer, Germany holds this prerogative. Leopards are more effective than French and British ones.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is reluctant, for two reasons. First, for the symbolism. The last time German tanks rolled across Ukrainian soil was during the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II. Furthermore, Scholz fears being blamed for an escalation in the conflict, and the reaction of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who has blackmailed the West with the eventual use of nuclear weapons.
Unnamed officials said the German government would feel more secure in taking this step if the United States provided its latest generation M1 Abrams tanks. President Joe Biden is also hesitant to take this step, advocated, for example, by the new chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the US House of Representatives, Michael McCaul. Which, by the way, dismantles the thesis that the republicans would defend the reduction of military aid to Ukraine.
Several Eastern European countries, which are the most vulnerable to Russian imperialism, and which have Leopard 2 tanks, are putting pressure on Germany to authorize the shipment, and also to supply these weapons from its own arsenal. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has warned that he will send the tanks to Ukraine even without German authorization.
Germany’s new defense minister, Boris Pistorius, has asked for more time to decide. But the tendency is for Germany to give in. Which does not mean a quick end to the war. On the contrary. If Ukraine will have dozens of tanks, Russia has hundreds, albeit less sophisticated ones. Ukrainians will fight to liberate their territories. The Russians will resist, because Putin considers that such a defeat would weaken him politically. The most likely scenario is a long war of attrition.
Source: CNN Brasil
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