President Biden announced the US plans to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine after Germany confirmed it will deliver 14 Leopard 2 tanks from its own stock to the country, following weeks of diplomatic pressure on Berlin. 

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• The dual announcements come amid Ukraine’s repeated requests to Western allies for modern tanks as it looks to retake territory and prepare for an anticipated new Russian offensive in the spring.
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• Ukraine’s President Zelenskypraised the announcements Wednesday as Russia’s ambassador to Germany said Berlin's decision takes the conflict "to a new level of confrontation."
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• On the front lines, Ukraine confirmed its forces have withdrawn from the eastern town of Soledar and said Moscow is “intensifying” its pressure in Bakhmut.