Russian Invasion: US And Germany To Supply Ukraine With Armored Vehicles

US President Joe Biden and his German counterpart Olaf Scholz have agreed to send armoured infantry fighting vehicles to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russia, a day after France said it would supply its own armoured vehicles to Kyiv in an effort to break the 10-month war.

Ukraine has consistently stated that it needed 600 to 700 infantry fighting vehicles in addition to 300 tanks from the west in order to give its forces a chance of penetrating the increasingly reinforced Russian positions along the frontline.

Up until recently, the US and Germany were reluctant to arm Ukraine with NATO-compliant weapons out of concern that it would be seen by Russia as escalators. Even though both nations decided against supplying tanks, the choice to provide western armoured vehicles was still significant.

The joint statement, which came after a conversation between Biden and Scholz, marks a significant shift in western military assistance to Ukraine, which had sought up to 700 armoured vehicles to help drive the Russians out.

The White House said in a statement on Thursday, January 5th: “The United States intends to supply Ukraine with Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and Germany intends to provide Ukraine with Marder infantry fighting vehicles.”

According to the White House, Germany will also provide Ukraine with air defence, in addition to the Patriot air defence system offered by the US last month. Both nations will train the Ukrainian military on the Marder and Bradley, although it was not immediately apparent how many of each would be sent,

According to Robert Habeck, the German vice-chancellor and finance minister, whose department must approve the export of weapons: “This is a good decision.”

“Since the start of the war, we have continuously expanded our support in coordination with our partners. It is only logical that we also take this step.

“Ukraine has the right to defend itself against the Russian attack, and we have the duty to help her.”

Also on Wednesday, France said that it was increasing its military assistance to Kyiv by delivering an unknown quantity of AMX-10 RC ligharmoureded vehicles, which analysts said are capable of supporting main battle tanks and serving in scouting tasks.