The magazine "Spiegel" and the broadcaster ntv had previously reported that the federal government was ready, after much hesitation, to hand over a company of Leopard 2 A6 tanks to the Ukrainian army. According to "Spiegel", this also means that the federal government has approved deliveries of Leopards from other countries. There was initially no official confirmation for the reports on request.

In the US, the Wall Street Journal had previously reported that the US government could for its part give up reservations about the delivery of US tanks of the Abrams type. President Joe Biden is now inclined to hand over a "significant number" of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, it said.

Referring to the press reports on Washington's and Berlin's plans, conservative US Senator Lindsey Graham spoke of a "major turning point" in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. "By supplying the tanks, we are giving Ukraine the best chance of repelling the invasion and regaining control of their country."