Victorious news of 573rd day of war: Russia's losses growing in Tavria sector, US hands over Abrams tanks to Ukraine, Denmark gives Leopard tanks

Tracked trucks from Norway and tanks from Denmark 

Norway will provide Ukraine with about 50 M548 tracked vehicles designed to transport people and goods off-road as part of its military assistance.

"This is important to ensure supplies to areas where there are no roads," said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

It is noted that the M548 is a tracked vehicle that can move in areas inaccessible to wheeled vehicles.

The Norwegian government emphasizes that these transporters are an important addition to wheeled trucks. They can transport ammunition, food and water to Ukrainian troops in the field.

The Norwegian version of the M548 tracked transporters is called NM199. They have been in storage in the Norwegian army, but will undergo maintenance before being handed over to Ukraine.

Denmark to give Ukraine 45 more tanks as part of previously announced assistance

Denmark will provide Ukraine with 45 more tanks. This includes 30 Leopard 1 tanks and 15 T-72 tanks, which will be delivered as part of the previously announced assistance. 

This military assistance is part of a package worth about 777 million euros (5.8 billion Danish kroner), which Denmark announced last week without specifying details.

The newspaper notes that the idea behind the new 15 T-72EA tanks is that, unlike the Leopard tanks, they can be immediately incorporated into the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

US Abrams will soon be on the battlefield

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at the Ramstein meeting that Ukraine would soon receive US Abrams tanks.

"We will work closely with our Ukrainian partners to ensure that all the assistance we provide to Ukraine is used effectively. We are talking about Abrams tanks, which are about to arrive on the Ukrainian battlefield. The longer Russia wages war, the more it drives itself into a dead end," Austin said.

The Pentagon chief also added that the US contribution and assistance is strong and will remain so.

"Since our last meeting, the United States has put together an additional assistance package of approximately $2 billion. As part of this package, Ukraine has been provided with modern air defence systems, ammunition, and mine clearance systems. The US contribution has been strong and remains so," Austin said.

Czech Republic to provide Ukraine with new weapons

The Czech Republic has signed an agreement with Denmark and the Netherlands to supply weapons to Ukraine with their financial support. It will include tanks, howitzers, small arms, etc., said Czech Deputy Defense Minister Daniel Blazkovec. 

"In particular, it will be the supply of additional tanks, howitzers, small arms, infantry fighting vehicles, air defense equipment and electronic warfare equipment or ammunition from companies in our defense industry," explained Daniel Blazkovec.

It is planned that Kyiv will receive both modern Czech weapons and upgraded equipment already in service with the local armed forces. The equipment will be in good working order and will be delivered in the coming months and in 2024.

Russian forces suffer losses and surrender in Tavria sector

Oleksandr Stupun, spokesman for the Joint Press Centre of the Tavria Defense Forces, said that 293 Russian soldiers were neutralized and 47 pieces of enemy equipment destroyed in the area of responsibility of the Tavria operational and tactical group of troops over the past day.

"In the area of responsibility of the Tavria operational and tactical group of troops, the Russian soldiers made more than 10 attempts to force our units out of their positions. In particular, in the area of Maryinka. In the Melitopol sector, near the village of Robotyne, Russia conducted unsuccessful offensives. Thus, the occupants are trying to regain their lost positions," said Stupun.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces’ colonel also emphasized that the offensive in the southern sector continues.

“Russian enemy received a tough rebuff. The defense forces continue their offensive. It is also worth noting that over the past two days, the total enemy losses have been increasing. The day before yesterday, 313 Russian soldiers were neutralized. Yesterday, enemy losses in the Tavria sector amounted to 293 people. Moreover, 4 soldiers surrendered and 47 units of Russian equipment were destroyed," he added.