Ukraine War: Pistorius travels to Kyiv unannounced

Ukraine is to receive more than 100 older Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks from a group of several European countries. This was announced by the new Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) on Tuesday during his first visit to Kyiv. By the first or second quarter of 2024, at least three battalions from the west should be equipped with such tanks. Pistorius did not say from which European countries besides Germany the Leopard 1 should come.

The visit to Kyiv was the first major trip abroad by the defense minister, who was sworn in almost three weeks ago. For security reasons, the whereabouts were initially kept secret. In addition to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Pistorius also met Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. Russia’s war of aggression against the neighboring country has now lasted almost a year. Reznikov posted a photo on Twitter showing him with Pistorius and a model tank, and wrote: “The ‘first’ Leopard 2 has arrived in Kyiv.”

20 to 25 tanks are to be delivered by the summer

Pistorius said delivery of the Leopard 1 will be done in stages. 20 to 25 tanks should be delivered by the summer, and up to 80 by the end of the year. The aim is to have more than 100 in the course of the first or second quarter of 2024. This meant that at least three Ukrainian battalions should be equipped, including the material to be procured for spare parts and ammunition. In addition, the training of 600 sergeants has begun.

The Leopard 1 is the first main battle tank built for the German Army after World War II. 4700 examples were produced from 1965 to the mid-1980s. The Bundeswehr retired its last Leopard 1 20 years ago.

After a lengthy discussion two weeks ago, the federal government decided to give Ukraine more modern Leopard main battle tanks and to allow allies to supply the weapon system developed in Germany. Marder armored personnel carriers and the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system are also to go to Ukraine. Ukrainian soldiers are already being trained in Germany.

Ukraine is to receive more guided missiles

With the current commitment to deliver the Leopard 1 tanks, he connects “the wish and the great hope that this contribution can also help Ukraine remain defensible and withstand the attack,” said Pistorius. The will of the Ukrainian people to defend their homeland is unbroken. “I have my greatest admiration for that,” said the minister at a joint appearance with his Ukrainian colleague Resnikov.

Pistorius emphasized that there should be no doubt that Germany and the other partners in Europe and beyond “will continue to stand firmly by Ukraine’s side in the future and we will continue to support them with everything that is necessary”. According to Pistorius, Ukraine will receive more guided missiles by the end of the month, as well as five Cheetah anti-aircraft tanks and another five Badger engineer tanks. Five Biber tank bridge-laying vehicles would be delivered in March.

When asked about Ukrainian demands for fighter jets, such as the Eurofighter or Tornado, Resnikov said that no specific names or brands had been discussed. Pistorius stressed that the first priority at the moment is to deliver and deploy the Leopard tanks and, above all, to ensure air defense capability in Ukraine.

Pistorius took office on January 19 after his predecessor Christine Lambrecht had asked Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) to be dismissed. He is faced with the task of turning the run-down armed forces back into a broadly combat-capable force. Pistorius, who was previously Minister of the Interior in Lower Saxony, has since sought to be close to the troops during visits and barracks and on training grounds.

Note: This article has been updated.