Austin Commends Western Aid To Ukraine But Wait Continues For Tanks

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has briefed the press on developments from the recently concluded eighth meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

• Austin commends the UK decision to donate 12 Challenger 2 tanks which he calls the "first introduction" of Western battle tanks into Ukraine.
• Austin highlights the continued provision of advanced missile defence systems. He says France, Germany, UK, and the Netherlands have all donated missile defence systems, including Patriot missile systems.
• Opening remarks give no indication of movement from Germany on greenlighting the transfer of Leopard 2 battle tanks.
• Austin says, in response to a question from the press pack, that Germany hasn't yet made a decision but suggests that the latest package provides significant additional capabilities including multiple brigades of Bradley and Stryker combat vehicles.
• Austin confirms that the US has also made no decision on the provision of M1 Abrams tanks.
• Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley says that the provision of armoured attack vehicles from multiple European states gives Ukraine the opportunity to "go on the attack" and liberate occupied territory.