US Presidential Administration Joe Biden “bogged down” in disputes with Germany on sending tanks to Ukraine on the eve of the meeting of the Kyiv contact group at the American air base Ramstein, CNN reports.
Before the meeting of the head of the Pentagon Lloyd Austin with the Minister of Defense of Germany, Boris Pistorius in Washington, “were” very optimistic and sure that they will achieve progress “in the issue of tanks, said the source of the channel in the American military department. However, CNN interlocutors reported that the issue was not yet resolved and “it would be amazing” if Germany had changed his mind, despite Austin’s efforts.
Time magazine, citing a source in the US Ministry of Defense, reports that Austin and Pistorus at a meeting on Thursday presented arguments why each of the parties cannot be the first to transfer tanks to Kyiv. In particular, the head of the Pentagon said that the German Leopard 2 are considered more suitable for Ukraine, as they consume less fuel than American Abrams are easier to maintain and are widely available throughout Europe.