Germany’s decision to supply Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv’s forces marks a turning point in the conflict in Ukraine after weeks of geopolitical bickering. On Wednesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz revealed the decision, caving to mounting international pressure from the United States, Poland, and a group of other European states that have been pressing Berlin to increase its military support and pledge to supply the coveted vehicles.
The United States immediately made a similar declaration. On Wednesday, Vice President Joe Biden said that he would be sending 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, reversing the administration’s longstanding objections to Kyiv’s requests for the highly sophisticated but maintenance-heavy vehicles.