In a stunning turn of events, Ukraine's dire plea for help has been answered.
This after both Germany and the United States announced sending advanced battle tanks to Ukraine in a move cheered by Ukrainians but blasted by Moscow.
"Today, I'm announcing that the United States will be sending 31 Abram tanks to Ukraine, the equivalent of one Urainian battalion. It will enhance Ukraine's capacity to defend its territory and achieve its strategic objectives." Says President Joe Biden.
Biden called the 31 Abrams tanks "the most capable" in the world that will help improve soldiers' manoeuvre in open terrain. "To liberate their land, they need to be able to counter Russia’s evolving tactics and strategy on the battlefield in the very near term," he added.
(Courtesy: NPR, NY Times)
Earlier in the day, Germany's chancellor also lent a helping hand. Olaf Scholz announced the delivery of 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine with the eventual aim of sending two battalions of Leopards.
Scholz also warned against escalating tensions between Russia and NATO.
Ukraine's president welcomed the move. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked his allies for the announcements, which he called a "tank coalition", but said speed and volume are key.
But Russian President Vladimir Putin remained defiant. During a visit to Moscow State University, Putin insisted Germany never really enjoyed sovereignty, referring to allied troops there.
Then Moscow's ambassador to Germany called the move an "extremely dangerous decision".
The debate over supplying tanks has dogged the West since the war began.
America and Germany had both refused to offer tanks despite repeated calls from Ukraine because they're difficult to maintain.
The critical Leopards and Abrams could take months to arrive.
Both Russia and Ukraine have relied mainly on Soviet-era T-72 tanks, hundreds of which have been destroyed.
Meantime, Ukraine says its forces have retreated from Soledar, which Russia claims to have captured earlier.
Back in Washington, Biden insists Germany did not force his hand in today's decision.
"Germany didn't force me to change my mind. We wanted to make sure we were all together," he says.
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