Military aid to Ukraine

Germany is sending tanks, which Zelensky has repeatedly requested for almost a year.  Not many - 14 - but it's a start, and it's shaming the US into "considering" sending Abrams tanks.  We will, of course, send more than Germany.  Of course.

The United States appears poised to start a process that would eventually send dozens of its M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine, US media reported, in a reversal that could have significant implications for Kyiv’s efforts to repel Russian forces.

  Guardian

"Dozens" being "just over 30."

The move follows reports on Tuesday that Berlin has succumbed to huge international and domestic pressure and was set to announce that it will send German-manufactured tanks to Ukraine, and allow other countries to do the same.

[...]

“If the United States decides to supply tanks, then justifying such a step with arguments about ‘defensive weapons’ will definitely not work. This would be another blatant provocation against the Russian Federation,” [Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Anatoly] Antonov said in remarks published on the embassy’s Telegram messaging app on Wednesday.

[...]

In response to the reports, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said in his nightly address that Russia was preparing for a new wave of aggression and that he had seen “A lot of effort, words, and promises” about tanks. “But it is important to see the reality: it is not about five, or 10, or 15 tanks. The need is greater. Every day we are doing everything necessary to fill the deficit. And I am grateful to everyone who supports us in this.

[...]

Ukraine says heavily armoured western battle tanks would give its troops more mobility and protection ahead of a new Russian offensive that Kyiv expects in the near future. They could also help Ukraine retake some of the territory that has fallen to Russia.

[...]

According to German media reports citing government sources, Berlin plans to send a company of Leopard 2A6 battle tanks – usually comprising 14 of the vehicles – in conjunction with other partners, namely Scandinavian countries in possession of the units.

Berlin is also understood to have said it would give its permission for export licences for countries such as Finland, Sweden and Poland who have bought the tanks from Germany, allowing them to be sent to Ukraine.

[...]

A decision by the United States to send the Abrams would come just days after Washington argued against sending the tanks , despite demands from Kyiv and public pressure from Berlin.

Yeah, well, we can't be seen to be being led by Germany. Also...

No indication has been given on the timing of the tanks’ arrival in Ukraine. The Leopard manufacturer Rheinmetall has said they could be ready to be dispatched by March.

[...]

[R]eports said it was possible the Biden administration could use the USAI process to buy the Abrams from allies who have them, refurbish them, then send them to Ukraine. The process can take months and even years.

So...no help at all, really. Just a headline that we're sending tanks.

UPDATE 1/26: