Germany and the United States announced on Wednesday they would supply heavy battle tanks to Ukraine to confront invading Russian forces and retake conquered territory. The US will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks, which is the US Army’s premier battle tank, while Germany will send 14 of its sophisticated Leopard 2s, which the Bundeswehr calls a “predator on tracks.” Ukraine has been pleading for the West to send its most powerful weapons, saying Western-built tanks were needed to push back Russian forces in the south and east. “That’s what this is about — helping Ukraine defend and protect Ukrainian l…