As the war in Ukraine surpasses its one-year mark, the city of Bakhmut is completely surrounded and the prospects for Ukrainian victory seem to be growing slimmer. However, there is a silver lining, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany are sending 31 Abrams tanks, 14 Challenger 2 tanks, and 14 Leopard 2 tanks respectively. The new firepower has the ability to monumentally change the course of the conflict and also points to the shift in diplomatic ties between Western nations and Ukraine.

Throughout the conflict, the Ukrainians have been severely disadvantaged by their lack of armored vehicles. Russia’s inept utilization of tanks, namely incompetent strategic decisions, and the increase in high-tech anti armor weapons such as the NLAW have mitigated the disadvantage; but, the mobility and firepower that armored vehicles provide have still been largely absent in the Ukrainian fighting force. The introduction of Western tanks to Ukraine’s arsenal will be important in matching Russian firepower while ensuring high mobility, thereby enabling Ukrainians to regain their lost territories.

Aside from military implications, this aid sends a message with reverberating implications. By sending tanks, Western nations have displayed that Ukrainian aid is a cause that they are continually committed to. Especially in times of dire need, the West has stepped up to assist the bastion of democracy in Western Europe. This act should not be conflated with direct military assistance, however. The International community has clearly displayed hesitance if not rejection of the prospects of sending soldiers to Ukraine. The conflict is still largely a regional conflict with the backing of International players and for the sake of global security it should remain that way. Sending tanks to Ukraine was already a highly escalatory measure and considering the nature of nuclear states the West should be careful to aline itself with Ukraine without instigating further conventional or even nuclear responses from Russia.

Ukrainian solidarity is an important commitment that the West should support however the type of aid is significant in the diplomatic calculus of geopolitical tensions and thus ought to be considered with great prudence. Kaylyn Kim, a student from Sunny Hills High School, adds, “Yes, I think nations still support Ukraine as they try to aid them with supplies, but many say that is not enough.” Moving forward, undoubtedly, humanitarian aid, financial support, and even providing arms will be important in assisting Ukraine. However, caution should be exhibited in these geopolitically uncertain times.

Joseph Kim Cypress High School 11th Grade

<Joseph Kim Cypress High School 11th Grade>