- Ukrainian troops are undergoing intense training to operate Leopard 1 tanks, working 12-hour days for six weeks.
- However, experts warn that this training may still not be enough to combat Russia effectively.
- Despite the slow progress of Ukraine’s counteroffensive, the country urgently needs both tanks and skilled operators.
To keep up with Ukraine’s slow-moving counteroffensive against Russia, some Ukrainian soldiers are dedicating themselves to grueling 12-hour training days, six days a week, for six weeks to master the operation of Leopard tanks. However, experts believe that even with this intense training, Ukraine may still face challenges in their war against Russia. While the arrival of promised weaponry, such as Leopard 1 tanks and MaxxPro armored vehicles, is crucial, it is essential for soldiers to undergo comprehensive training. One training course highlighted by Politico reveals the intensive nature of Ukraine’s training program, with soldiers initially using simulations and fake ammunition before transitioning to real Leopard tanks.
Previous concerns have been raised about the length of training for Ukrainian troops to fully grasp the equipment. German Lieutenant General Andreas Marlow, who is involved in running the training “crash courses” in Germany, shares these concerns. He expresses that the training duration is insufficient and emphasizes that no weapons system alone will determine the outcome of the war.
Most Ukrainian soldiers sent for training in Germany or other programs are relatively inexperienced, including military reserve soldiers and civilians, with ages ranging from 19 to 71, as reported by Politico. Despite this, Ukraine is eager to deploy more soldiers to the field as soon as possible due to the slow progress of its counteroffensive against Russia.
The intense training days aim to cover various skills, such as maneuvering through wooded areas and navigating mine-infested open terrains. As Ukraine continues to reclaim lost land, they have encountered mines left by Russian occupying forces. These explosive devices have been found in unexpected places, including toys, children’s books, open fields, and buildings.
According to Politico, over 6,000 soldiers have received training in Germany to date. One soldier from eastern Ukraine expressed optimism, stating, “We want to liberate our country and secure our future.”
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