Ukraine asks Germany for more Leopard 2 tanks for counteroffensive

The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the south and east of the country is in full swing. Kyiv asks for more German-made Leopard 2 tanks and receives support from experts from the FDP and CDU parties.

This was reported by the German media outlet ntv.

"The Ukrainian army is in dire need of a much larger number of Western battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and other armored vehicles," Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Melnyk told the Berlin-based Tagesspiegel.

According to him, "every Leopard 2 is literally worth its weight in gold for a decisive offensive." From his point of view, the Bundeswehr can provide more than the 18 units that have already been delivered, as the stocks amount to 300 tanks. The current number could be "tripled without jeopardizing Germany's ability to defend itself," the former Ukrainian ambassador to Berlin added.

Melnyk also asked for "another 60 Marder infantry fighting vehicles" to be transferred to the Ukrainian army.

At the same time, CDU security policy maker Roderich Kiesewetter supported Melnyk's request. According to him, it is necessary to immediately replace all damaged equipment, including Leopard battle tanks as well as infantry fighting vehicles, and deliver additional ammunition.

Markus Faber, the FDP's defense policy maker, told Tagesspiegel that clear statements about replacement could support a counteroffensive. For example, the Bundestag has decided to replace Leopard 2 charges from the German Armed Forces' stockpile. "We can increase the number to help," Faber said.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 12/06/2023