Canada announced on Thursday that it would join the United States, Germany and other countries in supplying Ukraine with heavy tanks to fight Russian forces, delivering four fully operational Leopards.
“These four tanks are combat ready and will be deployed in the coming weeks,” Defense Minister Anita Anand told a news conference, adding that the number of tanks being supplied by Canada could increase.
Canada will send experts to train Ukrainian troops on how to operate the tanks, he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been urging Western allies to supply heavy tanks, and a growing number of Western allies have responded this week.
Germany agreed to supply Ukraine with 14 Leopard 2 tanks after coming under intense pressure from other European countries.
Norway also reported sending the tanks, while Sweden said it did not rule out doing the same.
US President Joe Biden has announced that he will deliver 31 M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine, although deliveries are likely to take place next year.
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© Agence France-Presse
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