Trenton/Barry Ellsworth/Anatolia
Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand announced Thursday that four German-made Leopard 2 battle tanks will soon arrive in Ukraine.
Anand said, “The Leopard 2 tanks, drawn from Canada’s stockpile of about 80 combat units, are ready for use on the battlefield as Ukraine defends itself against Russian forces.”
She added, in a press conference in the Canadian capital, Ottawa, that “the tanks will be sent as soon as possible,” suggesting that “more will be sent in the future.”
“This donation, along with the contributions of allies and partners, will greatly assist the Armed Forces of Ukraine as they heroically fight to defend their nation’s freedom and sovereignty,” she said.
The Canadian minister pointed out that her country will provide, in addition to the four tanks, training for personnel, spare parts and ammunition.
In this regard, the Canadian Chief of Defense Staff, General Wayne Eyre, indicated, in the same press conference, that “the Canadian Leopard 2, manufactured in Germany, is much better than the Russian T90 tanks.”
Anand also noted that her country donated 200 armored vehicles last week to Ukraine.
“Her country recently announced that it will buy and donate a missile air defense system worth 400 million Canadian dollars (300 million US dollars) to the blockading country,” she said.
The issue of handing over “Leopard 2” tanks to the Ukrainian army was resolved, after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced, on Wednesday, that his country had agreed to send 14 “Leopard 2” combat tanks to Kyiv.
Kyiv had appealed to hand over the German “Leopard 2” tanks, but obtaining them even from the countries that possess them requires Berlin’s approval.
The Leopard 2 is distinguished by giving it comprehensive protection for its crew from threats such as improvised explosive devices, mines or anti-tank fire.
In addition to containing cooling systems in the crew compartment, an auxiliary power generator, and a telephone that allows the crew to communicate outside.
It is noteworthy that the countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization “NATO” fear that supplying Ukraine with military equipment will escalate the pace of the conflict, and turn it into a war with Russia.
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