US President Joe Biden has announced plans for the US to send 31 powerful Abrams tanks to Ukraine
In an address to the nation at the White House, Biden calls the tanks "the most capable" in the world
Earlier, Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed Germany is sending 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and allowing other countries to send theirs too
Speaking in parliament, he urged Germans who were worried about the move to "trust me", insisting the decision was "the right one"
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has hailed both announcements, calling them an "important step" to victory
It follows weeks of international pressure from Kyiv and its allies to approve the export of the German-made tanks
Russia's ambassador in Washington has warned that any deliveries of US tanks would be a blatant provocation
We're going to pause our live coverage on the Ukraine war shortly - but you can read our latest news story here.
The page has been written by Thomas Mackintosh, Emily McGarvey, Alys Davies, Michael Shiels McNamee, Gem O'Reilly and Madeline Halpert.
It was edited by Jamie Whitehead, Sarah Fowler, Marita Moloney, Jasmine Taylor-Coleman, James FitzGerald and Marianna Brady.
Thank you for joining us.
Image source, EPAThe US will commit to the conflict its Abrams tanks - pictured here during an exercise in Latvia
Today has been hailed as a significant moment as the Ukraine war heads towards its one-year anniversary.
Before we finish our live coverage, here's a quick recap of what's happened:
A bit more news coming out from Washington, following some remarks to the media from the White House National Security Council spokesman.
John Kirby said it could take "many months" for the powerful US Abrams tanks to reach their destination, and it may be necessary for allies to support Ukraine for "quite some time".
Kyiv needs to be ready for a potential Russian offensive picking up speed when the weather improves, he added.
There was no indication that Russian leader Vladimir Putin had plans to strike territory in a Nato country, Kirby told reporters.
Image source, EPAOne of the much-coveted American-made Abrams tanks
The US is just one of several countries who've pledged - or are planning to pledge - to send tanks to Ukraine, with the Russian invasion now in its twelfth month.
Here’s what's being offered.
A short while ago, President Biden confirmed that the US was pledging 31 M1 Abrams tanks. The vehicle is one of the most modern tanks in the world, though challenging to operate.
Germany announced earlier on Wednesday that it would send an initial shipment of 14 Leopard 2 main battle tanks and would clear the way for other European countries to send their own German-made Leopards.
Norway responded by pledging to send some of its 36 Leopards, but has not yet said how many.
In Poland, an adviser to the president told CNN earlier that the country hoped to send “one company” of Leopards - between 10 to 14 vehicles - to Ukraine.
Spain’s defence minister said today that her country was "ready" to join with allies in sending tanks - including Leopards - but hasn't said how many.
The Netherlands is considering giving Ukraine 18 Leopards that are currently on loan from Germany. "We leased them, which means we can buy them, which means we can donate them," Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Tuesday, according to German news outlet FAZ.
The UK said last week it would give 14 Challenger 2 battle tanks to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s defence minister has said the country needs 300 tanks to push back against Russia.
Katya Adler
Europe Editor
Image source, Getty ImagesUkraine's argument for wanting battle tanks is clear. It insists they can make all the difference - helping to push Russia back from Ukrainian territory and handing Kyiv the initiative.
What was it then, causing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz so much consternation in considering whether to send Leopard 2 tanks?
Of huge significance is the weight of history felt by German modern-day leaders. It can't be over-emphasised. As the aggressor in two world wars, many Germans are wary of being the main provider of battle tanks in Ukraine.
Another sensitivity for Germany to overcome is that their Leopard 2s would be used against Russian soldiers. Germany feels deep responsibility for the slaughter of millions of Russians during World War One and Two.
A further, not entirely separate issue, is that large sections of German society - particularly in the formerly communist east of the country, where many express a disappointment in how western society functions - feel traditionally close to Russia.
Read the full story here.
Image source, ReutersPresident Volodymyr Zelensky (centre) met US Senator Lindsey Graham (third from right) in Ukraine last week
Now, Republicans and Democrats are not known for getting along - that's politics after all - but Republican Senator Lindsey Graham says he agrees with US President Joe Biden's call to send more tanks.
He told CNN he "wanted to compliment him" adding that lending the M1 Abrams marks a "turning point in the war".
“What happened is a big friggin’ deal,” the South Carolina Republican says.
“You’ve got the Germans and the United States making a decision that’s been long overdue. We’re all in.”
“I just got back from Ukraine last week, the tanks will be outcome-determinative militarily. With the tanks, they've got a fighting chance to take back their land. Without the tanks, it would be a long drawn-out war."
"Our Democratic colleagues, quite frankly, have been terrific on Ukraine and I appreciate it.
Image source, Getty ImagesAn American-made Abrams tank during a training exercise in Poland last year
As we've been reporting, US President Joe Biden has confirmed that the US will send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.
To put that into context, Ukrainian battalions are made up of 31 tanks, so the American offering is the equivalent of one battalion.
Battalions consist of a number of military units, with sizes varying between countries.
Ukraine has requested 300 main battle tanks from its allies. So while today's announcements from the US, Germany and other countries have been welcomed by Kyiv, they do not amount to anywhere near the number it has asked for.
Barbara Plett Usher
North America correspondent, BBC News
Image source, EPAThe US tanks will not make any difference to the next phase of the war.
Western allies want to build up Ukraine’s armoured vehicle capacity in the next six to eight weeks to help prepare it for an expected Russian spring offensive.
It will take much longer than that to get the M1 Abrams to the war zone and to train Ukrainian maintenance crews to look after them.
As President Joe Biden said, they are highly capable but complex.
But, the Abrams announcement does make a difference, because it has apparently unlocked Germany’s decision to send its state-of-the-art Leopard 2 tanks to the battlefield allowing others in Europe who have them to do the same.
That can happen quickly.
Germany did not want to be the only one sending such heavy armour and now it isn’t – although publicly American and German officials have denied the two issues were linked.
Image source, ReutersMore reaction now on the significant escalation in military aid from Ukraine's allies - this time from Downing Street.
A spokeswoman for the prime minister confirmed Rishi Sunak had taken part in the call US President Joe Biden just mentioned.
She said Sunak welcomed the decisions to send major battle tanks, adding that it followed a "catalyst" set by the UK after it announced it would donate a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks last week
Quote MessageThe prime minister said it was now clear Russia was on the back foot, and there was a window for international partners to accelerate efforts to secure lasting peace for Ukraine."
Downing Street spokeswoman
In case you missed it earlier, here is the moment President Biden announced the US would be sending powerful tanks to Ukraine.
Biden says tanks are not offensive threat to Russia
Writing in English and in Ukrainian, President Volodomyr Zelensky expresses his gratitude to the US and President Joe Biden.
He hails it as "an important step on the path to victory".
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Let's bring you some reaction from Kyiv.
The head of Ukraine's presidential administration has hailed the United States and Germany's decision to send long-awaited heavy tanks to help repel Russian troops.
Writing on Telegram, Andriy Yermak said: "A historic day."
"One of those days that will determine our future victory."
Anthony Zurcher
BBC North America correspondent
Image source, EPALast year, the US Congress approved approximately $100bn in aid to Ukraine - funds which will be used to procure the 31 M1 Abrams battle tanks and teach its military how to operate and maintain them.
Expect to hear more in the coming months about how the Biden administration is spending the money Congress has already approved – money Ukraine’s supporters in the US government hope can support the war effort for most of 2023.
That funding may have to suffice, given prospects for further support from Congress are murky.
Some Republicans now in control of the House of Representatives have expressed scepticism about further funding and have called for investigations into how the already approved aid has been spent.
Meanwhile, public opinion polls show Republicans are souring on the war effort.
A CBS News survey in January found for the first time since the war began a majority of Republican voters wanted their congressional representatives to oppose further Ukraine aid.
So, while Joe Biden may herald the recent multinational move on tanks as a sign of continuing unified Western support for Ukraine, cracks are beginning to appear in American resolve.
Some news just coming out of Oslo - Norway has confirmed it will also be sending German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram told the broadcaster NRK, but he declined to say how many tanks Norway would deliver.
Asked by a reporter why the US had finally decided to send the tanks - and whether the decision came after pressure from Germany - Biden said he wanted to make sure western allies acted in coordination.
"Germany didn't force me to change my mind," he said. "I wanted to make sure we're all together ... as we're doing right now."
Biden left the briefing without taking any more questions.
Biden mentions that today is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's birthday, and addresses the Ukrainian leader: "We are with you for as long as it takes."
Biden says Russian President Vladimir Putin expected that US support for Ukraine would crumble with time. "He was wrong," he says.
"We are united, America's united, and so is the world."
He says the decision to send tanks is "further evidence of our enduring and unflagging commitment to Ukraine."
This morning, a senior White House official warned that the US expects Putin to go on the offensive in the coming months, as the weather gets warmer.
The Abrams tanks from the US will take months to arrive in Ukraine.
Image source, ReutersMore from President Biden who praises the efforts of countries from around the world.
The US leader insists the aid is being used to help Ukraine defend and protect its land.
"There is no offensive threat to Russia," he says.
"If the troops return to Russia this war would be over today."
Biden emphasises these countries will "not allow a country to steal a neighbour's territory by force".
Earlier today, a senior White House official said the Abrams tanks would help Ukraine regain territory currently being occupied by Russia.
Gary O'Donoghue
Washington correspondent
Up until now, the US has suggested that the complexity of the Abrams tanks was a barrier to supplying them to Ukraine.
That made some European countries such as Germany reluctant to hand over some of their own tanks.
Now the logjam has been removed, and Ukraine will be getting hundreds of armoured vehicles including tanks.
Training on the Abrams is expected to start immediately, but the funding process for the tanks themselves means they will not be deployed for months. A senior administration official said the tanks would give Ukraine a significant ability to fight in open territory.
President Biden says he is "grateful" to Chancellor Olaf Scholz for Germany's offer to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
"Germany has really stepped up," Biden said.
The commitment to Ukraine is a "worldwide commitment", Biden added.
The US president thanked every member of the 50-nation coalition for making significant contributions to support Ukraine.
Biden says the US will send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, which he says is the equivalent of one Ukrainian battalion, on the recommendation of US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.
He says these are "the most capable tanks in the world".
He adds that the US will provide training and maintenance to Ukraine to make sure these tanks are sustained on the battlefield.