Russian Armed Forces Obliterate the Majority of Leopard Tanks Supplied to Ukraine by Poland and Portugal.
“Russian Defense Minister Announces Decimating Blow: Ukrainian Army Suffers Heavy Losses, Including Most Supplied Leopard Tanks. Spanish Prime Minister to Send Reinforcements.”
During a high-level meeting on July 3, Russian Defense Minister General Sergei Shoigu revealed staggering figures of the Ukrainian army’s losses in recent weeks. In the south of Donetsk, Zaporozhye, and Donetsk, they lost around two and a half thousand units of various weaponry, including 15 aircraft, 3 helicopters, and a staggering 920 armored vehicles.
Russian air defenses showed impressive efficiency, intercepting 158 HIMARS MLRS missile rounds, 25 Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and 386 unmanned vehicles deployed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
A significant blow came in the form of the destruction of almost all Leopard tanks, which had been supplied to Ukraine by Poland and Portugal. Among the wreckage, 16 Leopard tanks lay in ruins.
Despite the mounting losses, the Ukrainian forces’ commander requested to press on with offensive operations, undeterred by the heavy toll.
In response to the critical situation, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pledged to support Ukraine by sending four additional Leopard heavy battle tanks on July 1. The move aims to bolster the Ukrainian tank fleet and strengthen their defense against the ongoing aggression.
During a visit to Kyiv, Spanish Prime Minister Mr. Sanchez reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to support Ukraine in the conflict by providing essential military equipment. The pledge includes the delivery of four Leopard tanks and armored personnel carriers, aiming to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
Spain’s assistance doesn’t stop there. In an effort to aid Ukraine’s defense further, Spain has promised to send a total of 10 Leopard 2A4 tanks, with the first six expected to arrive by April and the remaining four following suit as soon as they are taken out of stock and refurbished.
The Leopard 2A4 tanks, produced between 1985 and 1992, are renowned for their effectiveness and widely regarded as the most popular variant of the German-made tank.
Notably, before Kyiv initiated its counter-offensive, the Ukrainian press praised the superiority of the Leopard tanks, envisioning these formidable German machines as a decisive force capable of breaching Russia’s defenses and disrupting the connection between Russia and Crimea. Now, with Spain’s unwavering support, Ukraine gains a crucial edge in its efforts to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Russian Claims Diminish Ukrainian Success in Counter-Offensive as Tank Losses Mount”
Moscow’s perspective on Ukraine’s counter-offensive campaign portrays it as lacking substantial results, with the estimation that Ukraine has suffered significant losses in tanks and armored vehicles since the operation’s initiation.
In response to the challenging battlefield conditions, Ukrainian soldiers have taken matters into their own hands to enhance the survivability of their Leopard 2A4 tanks. They have retrofitted these Western armored giants with explosive reactive armor (ERA) Kontakt-1, a technology dating back to the Soviet era.
The effectiveness of the ERA upgrade on Leopard 2A4 tanks and its widespread deployment in Ukrainian brigades remain uncertain. Western armored tanks supporting Ukraine have faced formidable challenges, often falling prey to Vikhr and Kornet guided missiles. These missiles are equipped with a double-explosive concave warhead, designed to counter ERA and penetrate 1,000 mm thick uniform rolled steel armor.
US military expert Tyler Rogoway remarked on the adaptive nature of Ukrainian soldiers, who, out of necessity and after costly lessons in lives and ammunition, are modifying their advanced Western tanks to suit the ever-evolving battlefield.
An intriguing twist is seeing NATO’s cutting-edge weaponry supplemented with defense systems developed by their own adversaries, showcasing the dynamic and unpredictable nature of modern warfare.
