High voltage rises in the Russia-Ukraine war. The Germany, after weeks of hesitation, has decided that he will send 14Leopard 2A6 to Ukraine. The German green light came after the first step of Washington, which has decided to deliver the Abrams tanks, the flagship of the stars and stripes military equipment. Although the official announcement from the Biden administration should arrive at 18pm this evening. The target? Repel the Russian offensive expected in the coming weeks and turn the conflict in favor of the Ukrainians. In the end, the "pressing" of the leaders of Kiev to ask for new tanks "as soon as possible" worked for the whole West.
But the many coveted tanks would not arrive all together, but in tranches over the course of 2023. And Moscow, meanwhile, threatens: "The Russian army will destroy the American M1 Abrams tanks - warns the Russian ambassador in Washington, Anatoly Antonov - as well as other military equipment of NATO countries”.
Scholz: "No escalation of the war"
Germany is doing everything "necessary" to support Ukraine by authorizing the sending of Leopard tanks, but wants to prevent an "escalation" of the conflict that would lead to a war between Russia e NATO. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said so. "We are doing what is necessary and possible to support Ukraine, but at the same time we are preventing an escalation of the war, towards a conflict between Russia and NATO", said the chancellor immediately after giving the go-ahead for the delivery of the tanks armed Leopard in Kiev.
And while Ukraine thanked Berlin, so did the Spain it says it is willing to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine, but always "coordinating" with its European allies: this was stated by the Spanish defense minister, Margarita Robles, in statements to the Efe news agency.
White House: "Biden speaks at 18pm"
The president of the United States, Joe Biden at 12 in Washington (18 in Italy), "he will make a speech on continued support for Ukraine". This is what the White House announced, after the American media, quoting official sources, reported that the announcement of the sending of the Abrams advanced tanks by the United States is expected today.
