Allies Hear Ukrainian Pleas For Western Tanks

Ukraine has urged its Western allies to send modern armored vehicles to help combat Russian invaders, reports the Voice of America News.

In a joint statement on Thursday, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Defense Minister Oleskii Reznikov said Ukrainian troops need modern armored vehicles and tanks to provide better firing and maneuvering capabilities.

The ministers welcomed the U.K.'s decision to send a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks and urged any countries with German-made Leopard 2 tanks to do the same.

Several European countries have said they are prepared to supply Leopard 2s to Ukraine but require German authorization to do so.

Germany has reportedly agreed to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine on the condition that the U.S. offers to provide Abrams tanks.

The latest US$2 billion aid package for Ukraine does not include Abrams tanks. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has emphasized that the U.S. will only provide weapons that Ukraine can repair and sustain.