JAKARTA - Germany announced plans to send its Leopard 2 main fighter tank (MBT) to Ukraine, a breakthrough that was hailed as Kyiv's decisive military push and criticized by Moscow as a reckless provocation.
Germany will send an initial company consisting of 14 Leopard 2 tanks out of its own stock and approve deliveries by allies deploying them, aiming to supply Ukraine with two battalions, typically consisting of three-four companies each. Berlin will also provide training, ammunition, and maintenance.
"This decision follows our well-known line in supporting Ukraine with our best capabilities. We are acting with close international coordination," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a statement.
Previously, Kyiv had called for months to obtain a Western MBT that would give its troops greater fire, protection and mobility to break through Russian defensive lines and potentially sweep the territory occupied by the invaders.
The decision lifted one of the last Western-backed taboos: providing weapons with a main objective of offensive rather than defensive purposes.
Separately, he was asked at a regular press conference about Moscow's reaction if Berlin approved the delivery of tanks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said relations between the two countries "are already at a fairly low point," adding at the moment "there is no substantive dialogue with Germany or with other European Unions and NATO countries."
"Of course, such shipments are not a good sign for the future of the relationship. They will soon leave a mark," Peskov said, citing CNN.
Delivering the Leopard 2 tank to Ukraine will provide Kyiv troops with modern and powerful military vehicles ahead of a potential Russian spring attack.
The Leopard 2 tank will be a powerful combat vehicle for the Ukrainian battlefield. Each tank is equipped with a 120mm Smoothbore main cannon and a 7.62mm machine gun. This tank can reach 70 km per hour (44 mph), or 50 kmph off-road, making maneuverability one of its main features.
And, there is comprehensive protection from threats, including improvised explosive devices, mines or anti-tank fire.
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