Kuleba, Reznikov urge partners to provide Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine

The relevant joint statement was published on the website of the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to the Ukrainian government officials, Russia has not changed its goals regarding Ukraine, which are to destroy one of the largest states in Europe and exterminate the 45 million-strong Ukrainian nation. Meanwhile, with its heroic resistance and successful operations to liberate its territories, Ukraine decisively proved its ability to stop the aggressor state.

“However, Russia retains a substantial quantitative advantage in troops, weapons and military equipment. […] That is why we appeal to all partner states that have already provided military assistance or are planning to provide it, with a call to considerably reinforce their practical contribution to strengthening Ukraine's ability to defend itself and bring their assistance to a qualitatively new level. Today, the improvement of the provision of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with modern armoured vehicles and increasing their fire and manoeuvrability capabilities with the help of Western tanks is one of the most pressing and urgent needs,” the statement reads.

Kuleba and Reznikov welcomed the bold and very timely decision of the United Kingdom to transfer the first squadron of Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine.

“However, it is not sufficient to achieve operational goals. Therefore, we are addressing our appeal to the states that have Leopard 2 tanks in service, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey. We guarantee that we will use these weapons responsibly and exclusively for the purposes of protecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine within internationally recognized borders.” the Ukrainian ministers noted.

Additionally, Kuleba and Reznikov appeal to all these and other countries possessing appropriate capabilities to join the initiative on establishment of an international tank coalition in support of Ukraine and make their practical contributions to this cause.

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