Canada announced on Thursday that it would join the United States, Germany and other countries in providing Ukraine with heavy tanks to fight Russian forces, sending four fully operational Leopards.
“These four tanks are combat ready and will be deployed in the coming weeks,” Defense Minister Anita Anand told a news conference, adding that the number of tanks provided by Canada may increase.
Canada will send experts to train Ukrainian soldiers in tank handling, he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has lobbied Western allies to provide heavy tanks, and a growing list of Western allies have responded this week.
Germany agreed to supply Ukraine with 14 Leopard 2 tanks after intense pressure from other European countries.
Norway also said it sent the tanks, while Sweden said it wouldn’t rule out doing the same.
US President Joe Biden has announced he will send 31 M1 Abrams main battle tanks to Ukraine, although the delivery may take place next year.
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© Agence France-Presse
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