The main battle tank shipments are part of efforts by the US and its allies to help Ukraine "defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity," the US President said. "It's all about this."

In the speech, Biden also thanked Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) for initially delivering 14 German Leopard 2 main battle tanks from Bundeswehr stocks to Ukraine. "I want to thank the Chancellor for his leadership and his steadfast commitment to our collective efforts to support Ukraine," the President said. Scholz is "a strong, strong voice for unity" and a "close friend".

After weeks of hesitation, Scholz announced on Wednesday that 14 Leopard 2 tanks would be delivered to Ukraine. Now the USA followed suit with 31 M1 Abrams tanks. There had previously been transatlantic tensions in the debate over the delivery of main battle tanks to Ukraine.