Biden will announce it! US Ukraine decision to anger Russia …
“President Biden will announce that he will supply Ukraine with the M1 Abrams tank this week, tomorrow at the earliest,” the US official said. saying.
The official said the package to be announced could include “one Abrams battalion”, corresponding to between 30 and 50 tanks. US tank battalions consist of 44 tanks.
This move by the Washington administration came after Germany was reluctant to supply tanks to Ukraine before the United States and had yet to approve the supply of German-made tanks to the Ukrainian military by other states.
In statements to the press earlier in the day, US officials stated that Washington was willing to supply Ukraine with tanks as part of a diplomatic deal with Germany.
Consequently, the US will supply M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine in exchange for Germany delivering Leopard tanks from its own inventory to Ukraine and Poland and approval by other states to offer German-made tanks in their possession to Ukraine.
WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT
Speaking at the daily press conference, Jean-Pierre stated that they are in constant contact with Ukraine and other allies and stressed that the necessary support will be provided to Ukraine until the end.
Jean-Pierre noted that although there were some difficulties in the acquisition of the Abrams tanks, this option was never overlooked and he refrained from commenting on this issue, directing journalists to the Defense Ministry.
On the other hand, regarding the news that Germany will send Leopard tanks to Ukraine, Jean-Pierre stated that it is the responsibility of each country to make such decisions and that they have always appreciated the help of their partners to Ukraine.
When asked about China’s financial support for Russia, Jean-Pierre replied that they are closely monitoring this situation and have spoken openly with the Chinese government about the possible consequences of financial support for Russia.
In addition, Jean-Pierre stated that President Joe Biden plans to travel to African countries, but the date is not yet clear, and that the US Permanent Representative to the UN, Linda Thomas Greenfield, will visit Ghana, Mozambique and Kenya on Next January 25-29 announced.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The US administration, citing maintenance, upkeep and training, claimed that the delivery of Abrams tanks to Ukraine was not appropriate at this stage.
However, officials speaking to the US media suggested that Washington’s position changed in a phone call between Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Sholz on January 17.
The White House and the Pentagon did not comment on these allegations, but Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Partick Ryder was content to say that they discussed the needs of the Ukrainian military with the allies.
From January 18-20, defense ministers from 50 countries, known as the Ukraine Contact Group, met at the Ramstein base in Germany to discuss Ukraine’s agenda.
At the meeting, it was claimed that Germany announced that it would not supply tanks to Ukraine before the United States.
At the same time, Germany did not give its approval to other countries that wanted to give German-made tanks to Ukraine, which caused controversy. (AA)