“And I thank each and every one of you who support us in this.” Discussions on delivering the tanks must now lead to decisions, Zelensky demanded. “Decisions that really strengthen our defense against (Russian) terrorists.” Ukraine’s allies had the required number of tanks. “If we have the necessary weight in the decisions, we are happy to say thank you for every important decision,” Zelensky said. “We’re still working on it.”
Feared Russian Offensive in Spring
Leopard 2 main battle tanks form the backbone of armored forces and are deployed at the forefront of an attack. For Ukraine, they would be of great use, especially in view of a feared new Russian offensive in the spring. Currently, the front line in eastern Ukraine barely moves.
While the decision to hand over should unite Western allies more, it could divide Germany: according to an ARD poll, 46% of respondents are in favour, almost the same number are against (43%). Eleven percent did not want to commit.