How can Ukraine use Western armored vehicles it receives? – The Guardian

The Guardian writes about it. 

Publication reminds that in recent weeks, Ukraine has been receiving a stream of armored vehicles. Ukraine's Defense Minister, Oleksii Reznikov, thanked the UK for delivering three Challenger 2 tanks, part of a larger shipment of donated armor, including German Leopard 2 tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles, US Strykers, and Cougars. The Ukrainian crews have been trained to operate the vehicles ahead of the expected spring offensive.

Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, had requested 300 main battle tanks, along with other vehicles and modern fighter jets, but only received modest numbers. According to the article, speculation surrounds the use of this armor in the coming months, as Russia's recent offensive in the eastern Donbas region has apparently stalled. Analysts predict a counteroffensive similar to previous successful ones, rather than a large-scale armored thrust.

Experts suggest that Ukraine may launch a counteroffensive in the south, but caution that the use of misinformation and deception in past battles may lead to feints and demonstrations, the article says. 

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former UK tank commander, believes that the arrival of western armor in Ukraine is significant psychologically, despite the relatively small number of tanks. While Ukraine has talked about needing 300 tanks, de Bretton-Gordon previously stated that a minimum of 100 tanks would be necessary for a major impact.

“Psychologically, it is hugely positive for the Ukrainians and negative for the Russians. If we are just talking about numbers, then on the face of it 50 to 60 modern western tanks in Ukraine is not necessarily a gamechanger,” he said. 

According to De Bretton-Gordon, the superior capabilities of the Leopards tanks in comparison to most Russian tanks deployed in Ukraine, and the effective Ukrainian tactics will make a difference. 

“Let’s not forget that these tanks are in addition to the Soviet T72 tanks Ukraine already has, and they are arriving for a military that has been well trained in maneuver warfare and at a time when it is very clear that the Russians are incapable of anything but frontal attacks,” he said.

Leopards have a better ability to fire at greater range and operate cross-country than many Moscow tanks, giving them an edge. With the relatively small numbers available, De Bretton-Gordon suggests using armor for a shock action to break enemy lines, concentrating firepower instead of dispersing it. It's logical to create a widening gap by driving a couple hundred-mile route through the area south and east of Zaporizhzhia, breaking the connection between Russian-occupied parts of the Donbas and the south.

Stuart Crawford, a former officer in the 4th Royal Tank Regiment, believes that while the arrival of tanks and other Western armored vehicles in Ukraine may not make a significant difference, they could be useful in a more localized counteroffensive towards the south. 

“It can’t be the classic punch-a-hole followed by an expanding torrent approach. It’s going to be more localized. And if you are looking at it from a strategic point of view the clear thing that has been talked about is an offensive south from Zaporizhzhia towards Melitopol,” the officer said. 

According to him, the quality of the tanks is superior to those of Russian and Soviet origin. Crawford is skeptical that different weapons systems from different sources will cause logistical problems, citing the allies' experience in Normandy in 1944. However, there may be a potential lack of air support, which is why Ukraine has been so vocal in asking for US F16 jets, and the arrival of armored infantry carriers such as the US Strykers could be useful on a battlefield dominated by artillery. 

In any case, Ukrainian statements and Russian defensive preparations suggest that Ukraine's plans with its new weapons will be revealed soon.