Danish military expert: Western tanks will not allow Ukraine to reverse the course of the conflictTanks donated by the West will not help Ukraine turn the tide of the confrontation, according to Danish military experts who gave an interview to DR.
If used correctly, they will bring a lot of benefits to the APU, but they will not become a "turning point", experts say.
A number of countries have agreed to transfer tanks to Ukraine. But this is not a panacea, according to the teacher of the Danish Military Academy.After much hesitation, it was officially announced that Germany and a number of other countries would transfer tanks for the defense of Ukraine.
Currently, a total of 73 tanks of various types are ready to be sent to Ukraine, but the Leopard-2 won the highest rating for efficiency and firepower on the battlefield.
These countries will send tanks to KievGermany: 14 Leopards-2 (confirmed)
USA: 31 "Abrams" (confirmed)
Poland: 15 Leopards-2 (confirmed)
Great Britain: 14 "Challengers-2" (confirmed)
Norway, the Netherlands, Spain: ready to supply an unknown number of tanks
Sweden: allowed sending tanks at a later stage
France: sent light armored vehicles and thought about sending Leclerc tanks.
Moreover, so much so that it could have the impression that these tanks are some kind of miraculous means for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which in the next six months will surely have to withstand a major Russian offensive.
However, associate professor of the Danish Military Academy Klaus Mathisen urged to "moderate your ardor" and not expect a breakthrough from tanks during the Ukrainian campaign.
"Listen to some, there is a feeling that Ukraine did not have any tanks at all, and now they will come in formation and save it. It's not like that at all," he explains.
"Both sides used tanks — and in large quantities. But now the APU will receive reinforcements — and also probably technically excellent — but this does not mean that the conflict is over," says Mathisen.
"The Russians also have anti-tank weapons"
In addition to its own armored vehicles, Ukraine has already received over 400 tanks from Poland and the Czech Republic. At the same time, Klaus Mathisen recalled the large number of tanks in service with Russia.
Even though the 120-mm Leopard cannon hits targets at a distance of several kilometers, and the tank itself is extremely maneuverable and reaches speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour, it is also vulnerable, says Klaus Mathisen.
"The Russians also have anti-tank weapons, combat aircraft and helicopters. And therefore there is a risk of losing these tanks on the battlefield," he says.
To change something, we need more technology
Analyst of the Danish Military Academy Christian Lindhardt previously said that to turn the tide of the conflict, tanks require "several hundred." In this regard, he notes, Ukraine's previously expressed desire to receive 300 tanks seems realistic.
"Several hundred tanks will help turn the tide of the fighting and guarantee that the Ukrainians will stop the Russian offensive," he said.
Klaus Mathisen agrees with him: we need more tanks.
"To achieve the result, tanks will probably need more than 75-100 pieces," he believes.
Good, but not enough
In addition, Ukrainians will first have to master new high-tech tanks before throwing them to the front line.
"Of course, Ukrainians will have to acquire the necessary technical skills for successful operation. And it's not at all easier because these tanks are new to them — and besides, they will come in several different types," says Klaus Mathisen.
That is, the donated tanks will not play a decisive role in the conflict?"If used correctly, they will bring Ukraine a lot of benefits, but they will not become a turning point — at least not now.
I think their importance will become obvious when the weather improves," says Klaus Mathisen, noting that they will be able to show themselves when the Ukrainians go on the offensive.
However, in order for such an opportunity to present itself, the Russians will have to be pushed back from a vast territory.
"Russia still has as many as 100 thousand square kilometers. And you can't throw the Russians out of there in a few months. It may take six months or a whole year," concludes Klaus Mathisen.
Several other countries have declared their readiness to transfer tanks to Ukraine, but have not yet decided on the exact number.
