Germany was confronted with accusations that it had lost crucial time in dithering about tanks for Ukraine and put on a military performance to counter its critics.

Puma armored fighting vehicles raced through the Altengrabow training area in eastern Germany. They fired live 30mm rounds at imaginary enemies as they raced through the snow. The country’s energetic, but new defence minister watched from the back.

Sky News spoke to Boris Pistorius who said that there was no hesitation in sending the Leopard 2 tanks upon his arrival. He insisted that there had been no negotiations with Germany’s allies.

He said that the Leopards would reach there by March’s end at the earliest. He added that Russia would be sent a clear message by sending Europe’s most powerful battle tank to its borders. Germany is not going to relent and will stand alongside Ukraine.

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This decision represents a major shift in the West’s approach to this conflict. Its strategy of arming Ukraine with enough troops to fight, but not enough to provoke an escalation by Russia has been abandoned. Russia is mobilizing thousands of men and is increasing its influence.

However, it has been necessary to overcome German resentments about its military past. This is why there are deep reservations about sending battle tanks to a country that is deeply concerned with military aggression.

Russian propaganda channels have been having a field day with bizarre claims about a new Nazi “Fourth Reich”, and demanding that Germany be attacked and destroyed. Germany was reluctant to lead the charge with tanks and openly encouraged America to do so. Washington was also reluctant but for different reasons.

Pistorius referred to these negotiations. Washington and Berlin have overcome these obstacles, agreeing to send tanks. It will be a significant improvement in Ukraine’s military capabilities. It also sends a clear message for Vladimir Putin. German doubts will not stop the West from moving forward.

The war is on the rise again. Germany was criticized for sending only helmets a year ago. It is now sending its most deadly weapons and showing force. While the West hopes this will stop Putin from doing his worst, its leaders know that Russia’s leaders have not been persuaded by anything they’ve done.