Germany expects to deliver the German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine between “late March and early April,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said today.
“It is envisioned that we will have the business [de tanques blindados] end of March, beginning of April” in Ukraine, the German minister stated during a visit to the armed forces [Bundeswehr]in Saxony-Anhalt, in eastern Germany.
Training of Ukrainian soldiers to use the Marder light armored vehicles promised by Berlin at the beginning of the year will begin in Germany “at the end of January” and training for the Leopard 2 will be “a little later,” Pistorius said.
After weeks of hesitation, the United States and Germany announced delivery of heavy tanks to Ukraine on Wednesday, marking another step in military support to Kiev in preparation for a possible counter-offensive against the Russian invasion.
Ukraine said it hoped to receive these armored vehicles as soon as possible, stressing that “the key” would be the “speed and volume” of deliveries.
Berlin is to supply Kiev with 14 Leopard 2 type 2A6 tanks from its reserve and has decided to let its Western allies who have German-made tanks do the same.
Poland and Norway declared their willingness to supply ‘Leopard’ 2 tanks from their reserves.
Other countries have expressed their intention to send these armored fighting vehicles, such as Sweden, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands. Spain has confirmed that it is also “ready” to supply the Leopard 2 tanks.
According to the German government, the aim is to establish “two battalions equipped with Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine” together with partner countries. This would represent between 80 and 90 tanks. Washington, in turn, announced the deployment of 31 Abrams tanks.
The Kremlin today accused Western countries of “direct involvement” in the conflict in Ukraine, after announcing the delivery of dozens of European and American tanks.
Source: DN
