The United States and Germany will eventually send their advanced tanks to help Ukraine fight Russia. Will Vladimir Putin's troops be at a loss with Ukraine's new equipment?
US President Joe Biden said he would deploy 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his party would send 14 Leopard 2 tanks for the first stage. Maybe more will be added in the future.
As quoted by us from CNN, Thursday (26/1/2023) the entry of Western tanks has the potential to change the course of the war and is considered a breakthrough in Western military support for Kyiv.
With the help of a tank offensive, Ukraine could potentially reclaim more of the Russian-occupied land, rather than focusing so far on repelling Russian attacks.
The tank is expected to upgrade the Ukrainian arsenal ahead of a ground battle next spring. Ukraine is bracing for a Russian offensive in the coming weeks aimed at completing control of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, a key goal set by President Vladimir Putin.
The new-generation western tank is the most powerful direct offensive weapon provided to Ukraine so far, designed to face the enemy head-on instead of firing from a long distance. If used correctly with proper training, Ukraine is considered to be able to retake territory occupied by Russian troops.
Ukrainian officials say they need several hundred battle tanks, not only to defend their current positions but also to put up a fight against the enemy in the coming months.
"Of course, we need a large number of Western tanks. They are much better than the Soviet models and can help us advance," said Lieutenant General Serhiy Naiev, a Ukrainian military official.
Operation of the American Abrams tank will take longer because the system is more complex. Meanwhile, the Leopard tank is predicted to be used relatively quickly because it is easier to operate.