Pentagon supports decision of US allies to provide Western tanks to Ukraine
The US Department of Defence supports the statements of American allies about the intention to transfer Western-type tanks to Ukraine and expects that the relevant discussions will be continued. Source: Patrick Ryder, spokesman for Pentagon, at a briefing on Thursday, quoted by European Pravda Quote from Ryder: "Generally speaking, when it comes to tanks, air defence, or artillery, we continue to thoroughly discuss all this with our allies and partners.
As you know, next week there will be a meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine, and I expect that it will also be discussed there," he said. Details: When asked about the Pentagon's position regarding the supply of tanks to Ukraine, Ryder noted that the US Department of Defence "absolutely supports all defence means that our international allies and partners can provide to Ukraine, including tanks".
"Again, this calculation includes the ability to carry out training for these assets, and to maintain them in working condition. This is part of any discussion, regardless of whether it is about the United States or about our partners.
But we support the provision of any means to Ukraine that will give it an advantage on the battlefield," the Pentagon representative emphasised. Background:
- On Wednesday, Poland announced that it is ready to hand over a company of Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine as part of a coalition with partners. Since the Leopard is a German-made tank, further export requires permission from the German federal government.
- The British government also confirmed that it plans to provide Western tanks to Ukraine.
The spokesman of the German government stated regarding this fact that London's plans have not changed the position of the German government, which has so far rejected calls for Berlin to hand over German Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv.
- Previously, the Pentagon explained that the main reason why the United States is currently refraining from transferring its own Abrams tanks to Ukraine is the difficulty of maintaining them in combat conditions, as well as the need to train the military.
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