Training of Ukrainian crews of Leopard 2 main battle tanks has commenced in Germany.

The spokeswoman of the Federal Ministry of Defense stated this, Tagesschau reports.

The course will take place mainly at the training ground of the Armoured Corps Training Centre in Münster, in Lower Saxony.

Ukrainian units are already mastering German Marder infantry fighting vehicles there.

The training of Ukrainian tank crews is planned to be completed by the end of the first quarter, because that is when the Leopard tanks are to be handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The German Bundeswehr has developed a special express course for the Ukrainian military.

Spiegel pointed out that some of the soldiers had arrived for training directly from the front line in the Bakhmut area.

In 6-8 weeks, Ukrainian crews must learn the basics of managing the weapons system, as well as practice the interaction of Leopard 2 tanks and Marder IFVs.

However, Germany is stressed that in such a short period of time it is possible to learn only the basics of management.

It is assumed that the military will return to Ukraine with the equipment by the end of March.

On January 25, the German government decided to transfer 14 Leopard 2A6 tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and also agreed to the transfer of German-made tanks from other countries. And in February, Germany agreed to transfer Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine.

At least 100 Leopard 1A5 tanks are ready to be transferred to Ukraine by the Netherlands in cooperation with Denmark and Germany. The equipment is to be purchased directly from the German industry. The countries will also supply spare parts and ammunition. The Netherlands has also expressed its its willingness to participate in the training of Ukrainian crews.