Ukrainian Troops in Poland for Training on Leopard 2 Tanks
At this army base in Svetoshev, Poland, more than 100 Ukrainian troops are undergoing intense training. They were pulled from the front lines in Ukraine to learn how to operate German-made Leopard 2 tanks provided by Western allies. They are working side by side with training instructors from Canada, Norway and Poland. The Ukrainian troops who had been fighting in the Donetsk and Luhansk region are training 10 hours a day, including weekends. The training is very condensed in timing. The time is the element that is the biggest issue for us. Ukrainian troops are experienced.
They came here straight from the front line. Instead of the usual three months, officials say the Ukrainians will be ready to take these tanks to the battlefield in a little more than a month. Ukrainian Army Major Rodin Hodak is leading the training and says his troops are poised to learn quickly. My soldiers have combat experience. They didn't come from the street. They've been fighting on our tanks for some time, so it is a lot easier for them to learn how to use this. Hodak says these tanks will be key on the battlefield.
At the moment, we are very short of armored vehicles, and I hope that when we get to the front line with this equipment, it will save a lot of lives of our soldiers and bring us closer to victory. The first delivery of 14 battlefield tanks is planned as soon as next month. Leopard 2 tanks are expected to boost KU forces as the war with Russia approaches the one-year mark. European partners plan to send two Leopard 2 tanks battalions to Ukraine. There are around 2,000 Leopard 2 vehicles spread across Europe. Officials say they expect the first delivery of 14 battlefield ready tanks as a first step next month. Polish President Andrzej Duda visited the training site on Monday and praised Ukrainians fighting against Russia.
Ukrainians are defending us all. They are defending Europe as well against new Russian imperialism. And we know the face of Russian imperialism from our history. And our neighbors, Ukrainians, are defending us. And we thank them for that. Duda added, Poland is offering support for the Ukrainians and call on Western allies to send more equipment to Ukraine in weeks to come. Marislava Gondwadze, VOA News, Sietas of Poland.
Leopard 2 tanks, Poland, ukraine