Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands announced on Tuesday (Feb. 7) that they plan to send at least 100 older, refurbished Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine to bolster the Ukrainian army’s resilience to Russian forces. The Russian invasion has been going on for almost a year.
The Leopard 1 tank was built between the mid-1960s and mid-1980s and will be delivered to the Ukrainian army as soon as it is operational, but it won’t arrive until the summer.
However, the defense ministers of Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands said in a statement that the additional weapons would “significantly strengthen Ukraine’s military potential to restore the integrity of its injured territories.” Up to 178 Leopard 1 tanks, but the actual number delivered depends on renovation requirements. Germany has not used the tank since 2003.
Germany recently announced that it will send 14 newer Leopard 2 tanks to the Ukrainian army, and the newly announced batch of Leopard 1 tanks is an additional addition. The U.S. said it would provide active-duty grade Abrams tanks.
The old Leopard is reborn: the three countries of De Danhe will supply Ukraine with more than 100 Leopard 1 tanks
Ukrainian officials have been saying for days that they expect new Russian offensives in the Udon and Unan regions on Feb. 24, the first anniversary of the Russian invasion. However, Western analysts expressed doubts about the Russian army’s ability to launch a new large-scale offensive.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov tweeted on Tuesday that reforms of Ukrainian combat operations would continue “even during the war.” His comments come amid a series of resignations or dismissals of government officials and rumors that he will be replaced. “I thank you all for your support and constructive criticism. We draw conclusions,” Reznikov said.
The old Leopard is reborn: the three countries of De Danhe will supply Ukraine with more than 100 Leopard 1 tanks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj has not yet spoken publicly, a deputy indicated that Reznikov will be reinstated. In a late-night video address on Monday, Zelenskyi said his government was strengthening “our leadership positions,” including the appointment of “military-experienced managers” in border and frontline areas.
Reznikov has said that while he does not plan to resign, any decision about his future will be made by the president.
Among the most important personnel changes in Zelenskyi’s government at the end of January was the resignation of Deputy Defense Minister Viacheslav Shapovalov, who was responsible for logistical support for the Ukrainian military. He resigned, citing allegations of a food buying scandal, which he has denied. Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia is likely to prepare a new offensive to show results as the anniversary of the invasion approaches.
The British Ministry of Defense said on Tuesday that Russia has likely been trying to resume offensive operations in Ukraine since early January, with the aim of “almost certainly capturing parts of the Donetsk region that is still under Ukrainian control.” The UK’s assessment concluded that “Russia is unlikely to build up the forces needed to significantly influence the outcome of the war in the coming weeks.”
U.N. chief warns of war escalation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned nations on Monday that he fears a further escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine could mean the world heading for “major wars.” “.
“The prospects for peace remain elusive. The likelihood of further escalation and bloodshed continues to increase,” he told diplomats in New York. “I’m worried that the world won’t sleepwalk into a major war. I’m worried that the world will go down this path with its eyes open.”
Switzerland Discusses Aid to Ukraine, Neutrality
While Ukraine is waiting for more weapons from the West to repel Russian forces, Switzerland is approaching a break with a centuries-old tradition of neutrality. There is a pro-Ukrainian mood among the Swiss public and politicians, with pressure on the government to lift a ban on Swiss arms exports. According to the Swiss neutrality rules of 1815, which were incorporated into the treaty in 1907, Switzerland does not directly or indirectly supply weapons to belligerents.
The legislator is divided on the issue.
Thierry Burkart, leader of the centre-right Free Democrats (FDP), has submitted a motion to the government to allow the re-export of weapons to countries with similar democratic values to Switzerland. “We want to be neutral, but we are part of the Western world,” he said.
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