Finland will send three Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and train soldiers how to use and maintain them, the Finnish Defense Ministry confirmed on Feb. 23.
This announcement comes on the eve of the one-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The three tanks are part of Finland's latest defense aid package to Ukraine, totaling 160 million euros. Finland has provided over 750 million euros in aid since the start of the invasion.
"Ukraine continues to need support in its defence. We will send more defence materiel and participate in the Leopard cooperation together with our partners," said Finnish Defence Minister Mikko Savola.
Finland joins a growing coaltion of European nations, including Germany, Spain, and Norway, that have pledged tanks to Ukraine.
oskich on February 23rd, 2023 at 17:17 UTC »
Looks like Sweden is following with another batch. The Norwegian PM and Finnish president visited Stockholm yesterday:
"The government will shortly present a new military support package to Ukraine. The package includes, among other things, around 10 Leopard tanks, Ekot learns.
Norway has previously stated that it is sending eight tanks of the Leopard 2 model, and today it was clear that Finland is sending three tanks of the same type.
The Swedish defense has 120 Leopard tanks."
Delucaass on February 23rd, 2023 at 15:41 UTC »
This is a good thing. Finland also has large border with Russia so they also have to be careful.
I still think the Bradleys will be more important to the Ukrainian war effort in the long run, but pair these two together and any offensive has the chance to go more smoothly.
DetlefKroeze on February 23rd, 2023 at 15:18 UTC »
Leopard 2R minefield breaching/armoured engineering vehicles to be specific. An important capability for any successful offensive.
https://twitter.com/DefenceFinland/status/1628699628341272578?t=ESKLv7C5gp0DdBrrKh-6LA&s=19