Ukrainian military personnel are disappointed with the weaponry supplied by Western countries – Financial Times

The Financial Times has written about “disappointment” regarding the weaponry supplied to Ukraine by Western countries.

In one of its articles, the Financial Times notes that there are criticisms of the Leopard 1 armor, which makes it vulnerable in areas with little cover, such as the flat terrain in the eastern and southeastern parts of Ukraine where the most intense battles are taking place.

Although a Ukrainian tank crew member told the journalist that the Leopard 1 still has several significant advantages over the Russian T-72.

The Germans acknowledge that the Leopard 2 could have higher combat value, but they praise the first model from the 1960s for its ease of operation, maintenance, and affordability.

“The advantage of the Leopard 1 A5 is that we can supply it in triple-digit numbers by this or next year. The quantity also matters,” said Andreas Marlow, the head of the German unit of the EU mission for training Ukrainian military personnel.

FT notes on this matter that for many countries, “it’s more convenient to part with often mothballed Leopard 1 than with precious stocks of a new tank.”