Ukrainian military deploys Leopard tanks for defensive operations
Leopard tanks are used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces for defense at the front (Getty Images)
The Ukrainian military has begun using Leopard tanks for defense, particularly as long-range artillery. They are, for example, deployed near Avdiivka and Lyman in the Donetsk region, Yahoo News reports.
"Since Ukraine's highly anticipated offensive petered out this summer, the mammoth tanks have instead being deployed to hold the line," the agency writes.
The journalists came to this conclusion after talking to at least two Ukrainian military officials.
"In other words, it's not being used in the same way as during the counter-offensive," Ruslan, a soldier, is quoted as saying.
According to the agency, the Leopard tanks are currently "deployed along the frontline, acting more like long-range artillery" than offensive combat vehicles. According to the journalists, this way of deploying tanks is in line with the trend in Ukraine, where there is a need to gain a foothold to block Russia's advance.
Tactics of Leopard tanks at the front
According to the agency, near Lyman, Donetsk region, Leopard tanks mostly work in pairs, firing about 15 rounds at each of the Russian positions.
"It's more efficient," Anton, a tank company commander, tells reporters on condition of anonymity, adding that sometimes tanks were deployed to their positions twice a day or even twice a week.
"The frontline has calmed down a little. Winter is coming. We won't be advancing in force," he says.
Leopard, according to the newspaper, was also used to deter Russian forces in the area of Avdiivka, Donetsk region, which Russia has been trying to capture for several months.
"We're now in a defensive position. But we need to plan how to go further and reclaim our territory," added tank company commander Anton.
