The 18 Leopard 2 battle tanks pledged by Germany to support Ukraine in its war against Russia have arrived in Ukraine, a security source said on Monday, confirming a report by Spiegel news magazine.
Germany agreed in January to supply the tanks, regarded as among the best in the West's arsenal, overcoming misgivings about sending heavy weaponry that Kyiv says is crucial to defeat Russia's invasion but Moscow casts as a dangerous provocation.
Besides the 18 main battle tanks, 40 German Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and two armoured recovery vehicles had also reached Ukraine, the security source said.
The German army trained the Ukrainian tank crews as well as the troops assigned to operate the Marder vehicles for several weeks on training grounds in Muenster and Bergen in northern Germany.
Beyond the German vehicles, three Leopard tanks donated by Portugal also reached Ukraine, according to the security source.
Australia toughens kids' social media ban
Strong earthquake hits Hindu Kush, shaking Afghanistan and Pakistan
Serbian President Vucic says he will resign within weeks
Death toll in Venezuela quake tops 1,400 as rescue efforts intensify
Authorities investigate light aircraft crash into Beijing skyscraper
