Williams Reacts to the US Deployment of Tanks to Ukraine in Atlantic Council Article

February 6, 2023

Atlantic Council

Michael J. Williams

Public Administration & International Affairs Department

Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs

Defense & Security

Europe

International Affairs

Russia

Michael J. Williams

Both the United States and Germany are sending the battle tanks requested by Ukraine for its extended fight against Russia. Berlin will send Leopard 2 tanks and the U.S. will send its own M1 Abrahams tanks.

“The decision of Germany to allow allies to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, as well as Berlin dispatching its own bilateral donation, is a significant symbol of allied commitment to Ukraine, but the implications of this move should not be exaggerated,” says Michael Williams, associate professor of public administration and international affairs.

“First, the move is largely symbolic. Zelenskyy requested three hundred tanks; the combined allotment of Abrams, Leopard 2, and Challenger 2 tanks is right now around one hundred,” he says.

“Second, Russia is now incentivized to launch a major offensive before this equipment is operational in the field,” says Williams.

Read more in the Atlantic Council article, "Experts react: The West finally sends in the tanks. What will they mean for Ukraine’s fight?"