Germany to give 14 Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine

Germany will provide 14 of its Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine and permit other countries that have purchased the model for their armed forces to do the same, its government said Wednesday.

The announcement comes amid reports that the United States plans to provide M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, as the one-year mark since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches in less than a month.

A Leopard 2 main battle tank of Germany is seen during a visit by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the army training center in Ostenholz on Oct. 17, 2022, near Hodenhagen, Germany. (Getty/Kyodo)

U.S. news and media organizations have reported that the U.S. government may announce as soon as Wednesday that it is sending around 30 of them to Ukraine. ABC reported that 12 countries agreed last week to supply a combined 100 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine once Berlin gives its approval.

Germany had been reluctant to provide the tanks to Ukraine for fear that the war could spread to countries that comprise the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but it has now changed its stance.

The German tanks will be some of the most potent pieces of military equipment supplied to Ukraine as its forces continue to fight Russia’s invading troops, and will likely intensify ground battles in the country’s east near the Russian border.