German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed on March 27, 2023, that the Leopard 2 tanks Germany had promised to Ukraine had been delivered, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
“We have fulfilled what we announced”
Speaking at a news conference with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Rotterdam, Scholz said: “We have fulfilled what we announced.”
Der Spiegel reported that all 18 Leopard 2A6 tanks promised by Germany had arrived in Ukraine. The last tanks left Germany at the end of the previous week and were handed over at the Ukrainian border.
Training completed
Ukrainian crews completed their Leopard 2 training in Germany, including live firing, in mid-March. German authorities do not disclose details of tank deliveries for security reasons.
Germany also plans to set up a maintenance and repair centre for the tanks in a country neighbouring Ukraine, as the Leopard 2 requires intensive upkeep.
A long-awaited decision
Germany announced in January that it would send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and allow other countries to re-export theirs, after weeks of pressure from Kyiv and allies. The Leopard 2 is considered one of the most advanced main battle tanks in the world, and Western tanks are expected to play a key role in Ukraine’s planned counteroffensive.
Sources
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