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Ukraine is facing logistical problems related to the supply of Western tanks, writes a headline in the "Washington Post".

The American publication recalls that almost a year after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, its Western allies agreed to send Kyiv the modern battle tanks it so desperately needs.


The first battalion will consist of nearly 60 tanks, including the newer German Leopard 2A6s, and could arrive in the spring.

The wide-ranging package agreed this week by the US and European NATO countries contains different types of equipment, tied to different delivery periods and specific logistical difficulties.

According to military experts quoted by the publication, it is not certain whether these tanks will have a decisive impact on the course of hostilities, and for their use, the Ukrainian forces will need additional training.

"Ukraine has announced that it needs at least 300 tanks to support a major spring offensive against Russian forces and called the decision by Western countries to supply them a turning point," notes the Washington Post.

The publication quoted military expert Franz-Stefan Gaddy of the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies as saying that because of the delay in Germany's decision to send Leopard tanks, they are unlikely to play a significant role in a possible spring offensive.

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"This mish-mash of different types of tanks will make their use quite difficult from a logistical point of view," military tank expert Sonny Butterward of Jane's, a British military intelligence analyst, told the publication.

The Washington Post notes that the British Challenger tanks use different ammunition than the NATO standard, and with regard to the Leopard tanks, there are also some differences between the individual models.

The use of American Abrams tanks also requires significant preparation, including training that will take place outside of Ukraine.

"Neighboring Poland is also adopting Abrams tanks, which can facilitate their logistics and maintenance in Ukraine," experts quoted by the publication believe.

"A complicating factor is the depleted uranium used in the armor of the Abrams tank type produced for the US military. The armor contains classified components, so the US generally does not export them," the newspaper quoted a well-informed source as saying on condition of anonymity.

The publication points out that until now Kyiv has relied on old Soviet T-72 tanks, whose ammunition quickly runs out in conflicts dominated by heavy artillery.

The new tanks use ammunition that the allies can supply Ukraine with to withstand the war of attrition, the Washington Post notes.