US and Germany Join France in Sending Military Support to Ukraine in Escalating Conflict with Russia

The United States and Germany have announced plans to send armored fighting vehicles to Ukraine, joining France in providing military support to the country as it continues to fight against Russian aggression. The move marks a significant escalation in support for Ukraine, as the Western powers have slowly increased their involvement by agreeing to send heavy artillery, longer-range rockets, advanced air defense systems, and now more lethal armored vehicles. Ukraine has been requesting these types of vehicles for months in order to aid its counterattacks.

The US will provide Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, while Germany will send Marder infantry fighting vehicles. France, on the other hand, will supply its AMX-10RC, which it calls “light battle tanks.” These armored vehicles are expected to give Ukraine new capabilities ahead of counteroffensives that are expected to take place this spring. However, Ukraine is likely to continue to push for the US to supply Abrams tanks and for Germany to provide Leopard tanks, which are near the top of Ukraine’s wishlist.

The announcement of these military supplies comes as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with heavy fighting currently taking place around the eastern city of Bakhmut. Russian forces, including mercenaries from the Wagner Group, are attempting to capture the city after six months of brutal combat. A senior US official has stated that the outcome of the battle is currently in the balance, but it is “curious” that the Wagner Group is willing to spill so much “Russian blood” for Bakhmut, which had a pre-war population of around 80,000 but is now largely destroyed.

The situation in Ukraine has also been further complicated by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a 36-hour ceasefire beginning on Friday to mark Orthodox Christmas. However, Ukrainian officials have dismissed the announcement and President Biden has stated that he does not put much stock in it, given Putin’s willingness to “bomb hospitals and nurs”.