SNAPSHOTS

For Ukraine, a Deal to Supply Western Tanks Could Unlock More Advanced Weapons

Jan 13, 2023 | 19:55 GMT

A Leopard 2 A6 heavy battle tank participates in a demonstration of capabilities during a visit by German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht to the Bundeswehr Army training grounds on Feb. 7, 2022, in Munster, Germany.

A Leopard 2 A6 heavy battle tank is seen at the Bundeswehr Army training grounds in Munster, Germany, on Feb. 7, 2022.

(Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

An impending agreement to supply Western main battle tanks to Ukraine won't alone ensure the success of Ukrainian offensives in 2023, but it will open the door for increased supplies of more advanced equipment that Kyiv needs to continue resisting Russia's invasion. After meeting with his Ukrainian and Lithuanian counterparts in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, Polish President Andrzej Duda announced on Jan. 11 that his country would transfer German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine as part of a coalition of states. Later that day, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak then confirmed that U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace would ''work with partners'' in the coming weeks to increase support for Ukraine, including by providing tanks. On Jan. 12, German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, who is also the minister of economy and climate, said his country should not stand in the way when other countries decide to support Ukraine, regardless of...

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