The conflict researcher Hein Goemans classifies the tank deliveries from Germany and the US to Ukraine as a turning point in the war. “The West is no longer following the line that Ukraine must not lose. He is now pursuing the goal that Ukraine must win.”
The Dutchman Goemans is an internationally renowned expert who is particularly concerned with the question of how military conflicts are ended. His book “War and Punishment” is regarded as a standard work in this field of research. He is Professor of International Politics at the University of Rochester.
right of self-defense
Goemans said that the determined and coordinated action of the United States, Germany and other Western countries was definitely the right thing to do. Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations grants every UN member the right of self-defense. “Those who warned of ‘escalation’ and therefore did not want to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine seem to want to curtail this right. That would set an extremely dangerous precedent. This would confirm the aggressor – Russia.”
Unfazed by threats
Goemans added that one should not be impressed by the threats that Russia is now making. “Russia always communicates through threats. It started the war with threats and has never stopped. Until now, however, they have been empty threats – bluff. Russia has shown in the past that giving in only leads to more threats and demands.” You have to see through that. “Russia – aka Vladimir Putin – understands only one language: collective action and support for Ukraine. Bargaining offers, on the other hand, have no effect.”
The joint supply of tanks by the Allies is of great importance not only militarily but also politically. The signal going out is that Putin cannot split the West. “This is important because Putin’s hopes of victory depend on how the West behaves,” Goemans said. “In the medium and long term, Russia has no chance against a West united behind Ukraine.”
Supply of main battle tanks for Ukraine
Germany, the United States and other allies announced Wednesday that they intend to support Ukraine with more than 100 Western-style main battle tanks. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) promised the Kiev government 14 Leopard 2 tanks from Bundeswehr stocks, US President Joe Biden announced delivery of 31 M1 Abrams.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
