The US and Germany are planning to send advanced tanks to Ukraine, marking a significant breakthrough in western efforts to bolster Kyiv’s fight against the Russian army. The US is preparing to announce the delivery of M1 Abrams tanks, while Germany will send Leopard 2 tanks, according to sources.

This marks a notable policy shift for Washington and Berlin, as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously hesitated to provide Ukraine with heavy armor due to concerns of increased risk of confrontation with Russia and NATO. The decision to send tanks comes as the front line in the war has barely moved in recent weeks and Kyiv argues that western tanks would help regain the initiative and reconquer occupied territory.

The US administration has faced growing pressure from Democrats and Republicans to send the Abrams in an effort to break Germany’s resistance to sending its own tanks.