Kremlin announced today that he would consider the supply of Western tanks to Ukraine as “direct participation” USA and Europe at war, which is constantly increasing.

The warning comes hours after Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Smikhal posted a series of photographs of the handover ceremony for four German Leopard 2 tanks supplied by Poland to the Ukrainian armed forces.

Leopard 2 tanks are already in #Ukraine. Together with the Prime Minister @MorawieckiM, we met the first tanks provided by partners. We are grateful to Poland 🇵🇱 for decisive steps that bring 🇺🇦 closer to victory. We are waiting for the expansion of the tank coalition. pic.twitter.com/Brs2iuNelt

— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) February 24, 2023

In addition, Mr. Schmichal was photographed next to Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in several photos he uploaded to the Telegram platform. “A year ago, tanks entered Ukraine to deprive Ukrainians of their freedom,” he said. “Today, tanks enter Ukraine, but this time to protect freedom.”

Warsaw will transfer 14 Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Kyiv.

The “important role” of Polish-German cooperation

Mr. Morawiecki, for his part, said that 60 PT-91 Twardy tanks would also be delivered. This is a model based on the Soviet T-72 design, adapted and upgraded based on the specifications of the Polish Armed Forces.

According to Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, Poland’s cooperation with Germany played a key role in supplying the Ukrainian army with Leopards. The two countries will supply 14 and 18 of these heavy tanks, respectively, to form a Ukrainian armored battalion.

Poland was the first country to announce that it would supply Leopards to Ukraine and put enormous pressure on Germany to do the same. The announcement was made on 11 January by Polish President Andrzej Duda in Lvov and very soon a request for their re-export was filed from Warsaw to Berlin. Finally, the government of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz decided to send the tanks as well, after the US government pledged to send – but later – M1 Abrams heavy tanks.

Supply of leopard also from Sweden

Up to ten Leopard 2 tanks and HAWK anti-aircraft systems will be delivered to Ukraine and Sweden as part of the 11th support package, Stockholm announced yesterday.

“Swedish tanks complement other European countries’ contributions to the Leopard 2. Coordination of support continues with international partners who offer Leopard 2 or other tanks,” the statement said.

Defense Secretary Paul Johnson told a press conference that the war in Ukraine is in a phase of escalation and that Sweden “will do its best to send this military aid as quickly as possible.”

Germany: Delivery of four additional Leopard 2 A6s.

It is also emphasized that Germany will supply Ukraine with four additional Leopard 2 A6 tanks, as reported by the Federal Ministry of Defense.

According to the statement, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius made the decision after consulting with the military, as the tanks would be provided from the Bundeswehr’s reserves. “Thanks to this decision, together with our Portuguese and Swedish partners, we are now able to offer a mixed Ukrainian battalion,” the same statement said.

In total, Germany pledged to provide Ukraine with 18 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks.

^{According to Reuters, APE-MEB}