Most of the Leopard 2 tanks should be transferred to Ukraine by countries located far from the front line. In particular, this is about Germany and Spain, which together can send approximately 150 units.
This opinion was expressed by the former commander of the Polish Ground Forces, ex-deputy minister of defense, General Waldemar Skrzypczak, in a comment to an Ukrinform correspondent.
“The largest number of tanks should be provided to Ukraine by the countries located as far as possible from the front. Poland is on the front line, so it cannot give many. But this can be done by Germany and Spain, which are far from the front. They should make the biggest contribution and together hand over approximately 150 tanks,” said Skrzypczak, who is a professional tank operator.
He noted that the formation of an international coalition regarding the transfer of tanks to Ukraine is in the right direction, but everything is happening “too slowly.”
“In general, the decision has already been made, but the implementation is dragging. Ukraine needs these tanks immediately, politicians should not discuss this for too long. Decisions should already be made, and tank crews should start training immediately,” the general emphasized.
He noted that it would be best if they were already trained tankers who would quickly master and accept tanks for service.
Skrzypczak also said that the training of Ukrainian tankers can take place in several countries, which have simulators for mastering Leopard 2 tanks. He noted that there are such centers in Poland, Germany, Finland, and other countries. The expert added that one month will be enough for Ukrainian tankers to master the equipment that is new to them.
The former commander of the Polish Ground Forces expressed the opinion that the international coalition should collect up to 300 tanks to send to Ukraine in order to form a strong panzer core to oppose Russian invaders.
The Polish general expressed the opinion that Germany has probably already made the decision to grant permission for the transfer of tanks to Ukraine, but it “should not slow the process down.”
“It is obvious that they are an ally of the West, not Moscow. Therefore, let them not discuss, but make immediate decisions,” stated the Polish general.
As Ukrinform reported, on January 11, Polish President Andrzej Duda said that Poland would hand over a company of German Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine. On January 12, Finnish President Sauli Niiniste said that Leopard tanks could be handed over by his country under certain conditions.
Meanwhile, another Ramstein meeting is scheduled for January 20. Various sources claim that Germany, which remains skeptical about providing military aid to Ukraine, may decide to allow the supply of tanks of its production by other countries and participate in sending such aid itself. Until now, the German chancellor’s office denied such plans for the near future.
source ukrinform