Canada will send Ukraine 4 Leopard battle tanks: defence minister – National | 24CA News
Ottawa will donate 4 of the Canadian Forces’ Leopard 2A4 fundamental battle tanks to Ukraine as Kyiv continues to defend itself in opposition to invading Russian forces.
National Defence Minister Anita Anand made the dedication on Thursday, ending the controversy over whether or not Canada would ship over battle tanks from its army stockpile to Ukraine.
Anand additionally mentioned that Ottawa is offering trainers, spare elements and ammunition. She left open the potential of sending extra Leopards sooner or later.
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The Leopards that the federal authorities is donating are amongst 112 at present owned by the Canadian Armed Forces, which incorporates 82 designed for fight.
“This donation, combined with the contributions of allies and partners, will significantly help the armed forces of Ukraine as they fight heroically to defend their nation’s freedom and sovereignty,” Anand mentioned.
“These heavily armoured and highly protected vehicles provide soldiers with a tactical advantage on the battlefield. Thanks to their excellent mobility, their firepower and their survivability, these tanks will allow Ukraine to liberate even more of its territory and defend its people from Russia’s brutal invasion.”
Anand added the tanks can be despatched to Ukraine within the “coming weeks,” and that they’re “combat-ready.”
U.S. President Joe Biden mentioned Thursday the U.S. will ship 31 M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine, reversing months of persistent arguments by Washington that the tanks have been too troublesome for Ukrainian troops to function and preserve.
The U.S. choice follows Germany agreeing to ship 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from its personal shares. Germany had mentioned the Leopards wouldn’t be despatched except the U.S. put its Abrams on the desk, not desirous to incur Russia’s wrath with out the U.S. equally committing its personal tanks.
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“This is the result of intensive consultations, once again, with our allies and international partners,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz instructed German lawmakers. “It was right and it is important that we didn’t let ourselves be driven (into making the decision).”
Biden mentioned European allies have agreed to ship sufficient tanks to equip two Ukrainian tank battalions, or a complete of 62 tanks.
“With spring approaching, Ukrainian forces are working to defend the territory they hold and preparing for additional counter offenses,” Biden mentioned. “To liberate their land, they need to be able to counter Russia’s evolving tactics and strategy on the battlefield in the very near term.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed satisfaction on the news. Several European nations have geared up their armies with Leopard 2 tanks, and Germany’s announcement means they may give a few of their shares to Ukraine.
With recordsdata from The Associated Press.
— More to come back.
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