Volodymyr Zelensky praised NATO allies who have agreed to arms deliveries in a speech yesterday. But he had no kind words for Germany, which continues to block deliveries of Leopards
Britain has been especially forthcoming. On January 14th its government announced it would send 14 of its Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. That made it the first country to promise main battle tanks , which are better-armoured and more powerful than the lighter, fasters. Britain then joined ten of its European allies at a summit in Estonia on January 19th to discuss further military aid. There, it announced an additional shipment that included 600 Brimstone anti-tank missiles.
Others at the meeting in Estonia were more humble. Denmark said it would send 19 French-manufactured Caesar howitzers, a long-range artillery system. The Czechs promised to increase production of howitzers, heavy ammunition and armoured personnel-carriers . Estonia also pledged dozens of howitzers, both the Western-made 155mm-30, as well as artillery-support vehicles and anti-tank grenade launchers.
Germany’s failure at the Ramstein summit to enable such donations means the proposals are still on hold. Olaf Scholz, Germany’s chancellor, has said he will let Leopards flow to Ukraine only if America sends its own1 Abrams. On January 19th America announced another huge new military package for Ukraine, worth some $2.5bn. It includes nearly 60 Bradleys and more than 50 mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles. But no Abrams.
There is an increased sense of urgency among Ukraine’s allies. Sweden has agreed to send the Archer artillery system, a type of howitzer that Ukraine has long coveted, as well asportable anti-tank missiles. Its neighbour Finland confirmed on January 20th that it will send some €400m in defence support. Canada promised 200s. Mr Zelensky is clearly frustrated that Leopards are not on their way. But he may not have to wait much longer.
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