Germans give Czech tanks to Ukraine, Czech tanks
Germany gives the Czech Republic fifteen Leopard 2 tanks so that the Czechs can supply Ukraine with their own tanks of a type with which the Ukrainian army is already familiar. The German delivery to the neighboring country is part of an extensive exchange program. In this way, Berlin wants to make it possible for allies to transfer their stockpiles of Soviet-made weapons to the former Soviet Republic of Ukraine, which is fighting against Russian invading forces.
The German Defense Ministry pays for the shipment and trains the Czechs for the Leopard 2 A4 tanks. The Czechs have stocks of old Soviet tanks that Ukrainian soldiers are already familiar with. “This exchange is another great example of how we are helping Ukraine in its brave fight against Russian aggression,” Defense Minister Christine Lambert said. “The Czechs are supplying heavy weapons and we are filling the gaps with Leopard tanks.”
The Czech Republic already sent older Soviet tanks to Ukraine after the Russian invasion on February 24. The country also announced its intention to buy 50 German tanks of the newer Leopard 2 A7+ model.