A Ukrainian soldier trained in Germany says that Leopard tanks are like Mercedes – #Ukrainian #soldier #trained #Germany #Leopard #tanks #Mercedes
MUNSTER, Germany, 20 February (Reuters) – Ukraine The soldier compared the German “Leopard 2” tanks to “Mercedes” while training with them before arriving on the battlefield, saying that he hoped they would bring progress in the war.
He in Germany’s Leopard 2 simulators, and then the largest in Munster before sending the tanks to Ukraine military with those who are training at the training ground Ukraine is among the soldiers.
Germany last month agreed to supply tanks considered among the best in the West’s arsenal, allaying doubts about sending heavy weapons that Kiev sees as essential to defeating a Russian invasion but Moscow sees as a dangerous provocation.
“It is very important that we use this modern weapon wisely, it will make a breakthrough and we will win in the end,” said the 57-year-old. soldier said.
Asked about the difference between Western and Soviet systems, he replied: “You can think of it as the difference between a Mercedes and a Zhiguli” – referring to the Soviet car sold in the West under the Lada brand.
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The Krauss-Maffei Wegmann-produced version of the tanks Germany will ship weighs more than 60 tons, has a 120 mm smoothbore gun and can engage targets at a range of 4 km (2.5 mi).
of Ukraine the foreign minister said last month that he expected Germany to receive 120-140 Western tanks in a “first wave” from the 12-nation coalition, including the Leopard 2, in time for the exercise.
In total, Germany has about 15 thousand Ukraine to instruct his soldier Europe as part of its efforts, it trains several hundred soldiers in various aspects of combat techniques.
Another trained in the Marder infantry fighting vehicle soldiersaid that Western systems are not so far from the Soviet-made machines used by Ukrainians.
“We have experience with similar weapon systems… The logic is the same, sometimes we don’t even need translators to understand the instructors,” said his 33-year-old colleague while wearing a scarf. face and orange ballistic goggles to hide his identity.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Ukrainian soldiers were impressed with him.
“Talking about war… is different than looking at the faces of people who came here directly from the front and returned there in tanks after completing their training,” he said.
Soldiers work 12 hours six days a week.
“They are highly motivated and eager for knowledge … They know that in five weeks they will be back on the front line,” said the German lieutenant colonel in charge of the Leopard training, who gave his name only as Peter.
Both soldier He is preparing to return to Ukraine by the end of March.
Asked how they overcame their fears, the 57-year-old said the troops had to adapt.
“Fear? Yes, everyone is afraid. But how you overcome your fear and how you fight through it is very important,” he said.
Reporting by Sabine Siebold; Edited by Alison Williams
Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
2023-02-21 07:32:54
Source – reuters
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