“We have to form a tank fist of freedom”: Zelenskyy thanks allies for Leopard 2 and Abrams

He said this in his evening address on January 25.

Zelenskyy also noted that the transfer of tanks to Ukraine is “a fact that freedom is only getting stronger” and that this is a historic achievement of the leaders of the states.

“I thank all our allies for their willingness to give us modern and much-needed tanks. All this proves the most important fact for the world right now - the fact that freedom is only getting stronger. And how united we all work to strengthen freedom, to protect Ukraine and Europe is a historic achievement of the leaders who are working now,” the head of state said.

According to him, now everything depends on the speed of training of the Ukrainian military and the speed of supplying tanks to Ukraine.

“We have to form a tank fist of freedom that will not allow tyranny to stand up after its blows. We can do it. Together - just like we are making decisions today,” Zelenskyy said.

• During the 8th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Ramstein on January 20, the provision of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine wasn't agreed upon. 

• Ukraine has agreed on the training of its tank crews on German Leopard 2 and British Challenger 2 tanks - they will begin soon.

• The UK advocates an international agreement to provide Ukraine with German tanks.

• As of January 22, it was known that Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that Warsaw allows the creation of a coalition with countries that are ready to give Ukraine part of their Leopard 2, without the participation of Germany, if Berlin does not agree to provide Ukraine with these tanks.

• On January 23, it became known that Poland sent an official request to Germany to allow the transfer of Leopard 2 to Ukraine.

• The German military-industrial concern Rheinmetall stated that it is ready to transfer 139 Leopard tanks to Ukraine, as soon as the government gives permission for this.

• According to the results of the latest negotiations, Ukraine expects to receive about 100 Leopard tanks from 12 countries.

• Ukraine will receive 14 Leopard 2 tanks from the Bundeswehr. Berlin also allowed partner countries to provide Ukrainian defenders with German tanks from their own stocks.

• Spain has changed its decision regarding the transfer of heavy weapons to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression. Currently, Madrid can send Leopard tanks for the Armed Forces.

• On January 25, US President Joe Biden announced that Ukraine would receive 31 Abrams tanks.