Day 455 since the beginning of the war: The Bundeswehr receives 18 new Leopard 2 tanks. The number of Russian deserters is said to have increased significantly this year. All information in the news blog.
The most important things at a glance
Swiss government agrees to sell tanks to Germany
6:17 p.m.: The Swiss government is in favor of handing over 25 decommissioned battle tanks to Germany. After this position was determined on Wednesday, it is the turn of Parliament and the state export controllers of Switzerland.
In February, Germany’s Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) asked for the Leopard 2 tanks to be sold back to the German manufacturer, the armaments group Rheinmetall. This is intended to replace tanks that are being delivered to Ukraine. The ministers assured neutral Switzerland that they would not pass on the war equipment to Ukraine.
Bundeswehr receives 18 new Leopard 2 tanks
5:37 p.m.: As compensation for tank deliveries to Ukraine, the Bundeswehr will receive 18 new Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks. According to participants, the budget committee of the Bundestag released around 525 million euros on Wednesday. At the end of March, Ukraine received 18 examples of modern Leopard 2A6 tanks from Germany.
The FDP budget politician Karsten Klein spoke of an “important building block for the defense capabilities of the armed forces”. Not only is the material given to Ukraine replaced, but the main battle tank is being equipped with new defense systems.
The Leopard 2 is considered the main weapon of the German armored forces. It has been in series production since 1978 and is constantly being modernized. The previous model Leopard 1 – the first main battle tank built for the Bundeswehr after the Second World War – had been retired from the Bundeswehr 20 years ago.
Russian military: warship survived speedboat attack
5:02 p.m.: According to military information from Moscow, a Russian warship was attacked by three unmanned speedboats in the southern Black Sea. Russia’s defense ministry blamed Ukraine for the early Wednesday morning attack.
The boats were destroyed, a spokesman said, according to the Itar-Tass and Interfax news agencies. The attacked reconnaissance ship “Iwan Churs” is therefore about 140 kilometers northeast of the Bosphorus Strait to secure natural gas pipelines. In April last year, the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s flagship Moskva sank, according to Ukrainian sources it was hit by two missiles.
The Czech Republic wants to buy Leo tanks with Germany
4:34 p.m.: The Czech Republic announces talks with the German government about a joint purchase of Leopard 2A8 tanks from KMW. This was announced by Defense Minister Jana Černochová. According to their office, the Czech army could acquire about 70 tanks by 2030. Prime Minister Petr Fiala also announced approval for the purchase of 246 infantry fighting vehicles. They are CV90 armored tracked vehicles, manufactured by a Swedish subsidiary of BAE Systems.
Foreigners have to appear before a Russian court for fighting for Ukraine
2:56 p.m.: Five foreigners are to be tried in Russia for fighting alongside Ukraine against the Russian army. The trial is scheduled to begin on May 31, the Russian state agency RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday. Accordingly, three Britons, a Swede and a Croat are accused.
Steinmeier: Germany is involved in strengthening NATO’s eastern flank
2:44 p.m.: According to Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany will make its contribution to further strengthening NATO’s eastern flank in response to the Ukraine war. Steinmeier said on Wednesday in the Romanian capital Bucharest after talks with President Klaus Iohannis that they were not only prepared to provide more general support for NATO’s defense capabilities. “Instead, we know in particular that the eastern flank must be strengthened, and must also be strengthened through presence.”
