Biden reverses on Abrams tanks authorizes 31 M1s for Ukraine to unlock German Leopard 2 deliveries

President Biden announces the U.S. will send 31 M1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine, reversing a long-standing refusal based on concerns about maintenance requirements and escalation. The decision is conditioned on Germany agreeing to send its Leopard 2 tanks, a deal struck in tandem. Berlin had been reluctant to send Leopards without U.S. Abrams going first. Germany also announces it will allow Poland and other allies to re-export their German-made Leopard 2s to Ukraine. Together the commitments provide Ukraine with a full armored battalion. Ukrainian crews begin training in Europe and the U.S. for months before the tanks arrive in the fall.