Poland delivers first Leopard tanks to Ukraine: officials

Poland has delivered its first batch of Leopard tanks to Ukraine, officials said on Friday.

Poland’s National Security Council gathered on Friday to discuss Russia's year-old war in Ukraine and its implications for regional security, officials said.

Photo: Przemysław Keler/KPRP

The announcement came as Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki was visiting Kyiv to reaffirm his country’s support for Ukraine a year after Russia invaded its neighbour.

#Poland may send its first Leopard 2 tanks to #Ukraine as early as today, @business reports. pic.twitter.com/kI7CHE3roR

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) February 24, 2023

Polish President Andrzej Duda told a meeting of the National Security Council in Warsaw: "The prime minister couldn't be here. He went to Kyiv to bring Leopard tanks which are the first batch delivered to Ukraine."

📷 Meeting between 🇵🇱 PM @MorawieckiM and 🇺🇦 President @ZelenskyyUa.

The head of the Polish government confirmed the transfer of Leopard tanks to #Ukraine. Together we defend the security of Ukraine and Europe. pic.twitter.com/o1GvRwx0Cc

— Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland (@PremierRP_en) February 24, 2023

Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak said the tanks "have already reached Ukraine."

Duda pledged last month that Poland would send a company of German-made Leopard tanks to help Ukraine fight Russia.

Morawiecki said in an interview with Canadian television in late January that Poland would send an additional 60 battle tanks to Ukraine, on top of the 14 German-made Leopards it had already promised.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the time thanked Poland for its decision to send an additional 60 battle tanks to help his country defend itself against Russia's invasion.

Friday is day 366 of Russia’s war in Ukraine. 

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters