Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • NATO
    • China
    • Syria
  • Research
    • Briefs
    • Explainers
    • Reports
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Europe and Eurasia / The U.S. leads the way in sending tanks to Ukraine—but Europe should do more
Europe and Eurasia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

January 25, 2023

The U.S. leads the way in sending tanks to Ukraine—but Europe should do more

By Daniel Davis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 25, 2023
Contact: press@defensepriorities.org

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Germany confirmed that it will approve the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. The news follows reports that U.S. officials have agreed to deliver Abrams tanks to Ukraine, opening the door for other countries to follow suit. Defense Priorities Senior Fellow and Military Expert Lt. Col. Daniel L. Davis issued the following statement in response:

“Ukrainian leaders, who have been pleading for modern NATO tanks for months, will no doubt be pleased by the U.S. decision to send a number of Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine. But American citizens deserve answers to some critical questions from their leaders before the plan moves forward.

“First, what does Washington expect to accomplish with the commitment of these tanks—and the German Leopard 2 tanks that Berlin is likely now to offer? What is the strategy? Early reports suggest that it could take a year or more for all these Abrams to make it to Ukraine, so any expectations that these tanks will have an immediate impact on the fighting needs to be tempered. There are roughly 2,000 Leopard 2 tanks in Germany’s inventory and among roughly 12 other European states, many of which may be available for a sooner delivery. Is the US goal to allow Ukraine to drive Russian troops from its soil or simply to maximize costs to Russia?

“Second, are we so sure this new armor for Ukraine will not cause Russian escalation we’d like to avoid? How do we know? How much do we trust our leaders to play with fire, or literally, nuclear war?

“Lastly, when does the burden of arming and funding shift to the European states more directly affected by Russia’s threat? The United States has already provided the overwhelming majority of all military and financial support for Ukraine. It makes little sense for America—rather than our wealthy and capable allies in Europe—to take on the lion’s share of responsibility for European defense.”

Author

Photo of Daniel Davis

Daniel
Davis

Senior Fellow & Military Expert

Defense Priorities

More on Europe

op-edNATO, Alliances, Europe and Eurasia

More European defense spending isn’t cause for celebration

By Jennifer Kavanagh

July 2, 2025

op-edNATO, Alliances, Asia

Why America’s East Asian allies skipped the NATO summit

By Lyle Goldstein

July 2, 2025

In the mediaNATO, Alliances, Europe and Eurasia, Israel‑Iran, Middle East, Russia, Ukraine‑Russia

Trump heads overseas for NATO talks in wake of Iran strike and ceasefire negotiations

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

June 24, 2025

op-edGrand strategy, Diplomacy, Europe and Eurasia

Hidden in the U.S. Army’s new reform initiative is a warning for Europe

By Jennifer Kavanagh

June 16, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Are the Russia-Ukraine peace talks going anywhere?

By Daniel DePetris

June 3, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Drone attack may do Ukraine more harm than good

By Jennifer Kavanagh

June 2, 2025

Events on Europe and Eurasia

See All Events
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Air power, Diplomacy, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Land power, Military analysis, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Ukraine’s critical choice: Pursue peace or fight on

April 16, 2025
virtualChina, Alliances, Balance of power, Diplomacy, Grand strategy, Russia

Past Virtual Event: China-Russia: Cooperation or a no-limits alliance?

April 3, 2025
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Past Virtual Event: Trump and Ukraine: Prolonging or ending the war

December 13, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2025 Defense Priorities All Right Reserved