EU members pledge 100 tanks for Kyiv

Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands announced Tuesday that they plan to provide Ukraine with at least 100 refurbished Leopard 1 battle tanks in the coming months, a pledge that comes as Kyiv anticipates a new Russian offensive around the anniversary of its invasion.

The announcement followed Germany agreeing last month to allow deliveries of the more modern German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. In a joint statement, the defence ministers of Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands said the shipment of the older Leopard 1 tanks was part of an effort “to support Ukraine in their endeavour to withstand Russian aggression.”

Ukrainian officials say they expect Russian forces to make a new drive in eastern and southern Ukraine, as the Kremlin strives to secure territory it illegally annexed in late September and where it claims its rule is welcomed.

Some western military analysts were skeptical, however, of Russia’s ability to mount a large new offensive in coming weeks that might alter the course of the war. Ukraine and Russia are both still training their new troops and amassing weapons.

Deutsche Presse-Agentur quoted Germany’s defence minister, Boris Pistorius, as saying during a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday that the first 20 to 25 Leopard 1 tanks would reach Ukraine this summer.

Russian forces are “regrouping” as they attempt to break Ukrainian lines in the country’s east and northeast, the Ukrainian military reported Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday appointed national police chief Ihor Klymenko as interior minister.

Germany’s defence minister, Boris Pistorius, said the first 20 to 25 Leopard 1 tanks would reach Ukraine this summer