Germany, Denmark, and Netherlands have jointly announced that they will send 100 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine, with logistics support and training.
The initiative is part of the "new Leopard Initiative" to support Ukraine and would complement the efforts already underway to support Ukraine with Leopard 2 main battle tanks.
The transfer of the vehicles sold to other countries for re-export to a third party depends on Germany's approval.
Belgium has also shown initial interest in joining.
Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands have announced plans to send over 100 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine in the coming months under the "new Leopard Initiative.
" The tanks will come from industrial stocks and include required logistic support and training.
The Leopard 1 tanks would complement Ukraine's efforts, as their Western allies have pledged to send more advanced tanks to help against a new Russian offensive.
Germany has approved the transfer of up to 178 Leopard 1 tanks, and the transfer depends on the needed repair work.
The move has received mixed reactions, with some condemning the decision as it could spark the escalation of the current conflict, while others support the initiative to help Ukraine.
The initiative has received mixed reactions, with some condemning it, and others supporting it.
Critics are wary of the initiative, citing the potential for Russian retaliation, as they view the move as Western countries stoking regional tensions.
Germany, however, argues that the initiative is necessary because Russian aggression against Ukraine continues.
The key difference is in the timeline of the delivery of the tanks.
The Leopard 1 tanks are older A5 types and will be delivered within a few months, which is quicker than the more advanced tanks that Western allies have pledged to Ukraine.
Overall, the decision to send over 100 tanks to Ukraine is a significant step towards cementing Western military support for Ukraine.
The new initiative comes amid tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with Russia accused of amassing troops near the Ukrainian border.
The move shows the political will among Western countries to provide military support to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression.
The initiative involves training on the Leopard 1 A5 as well as a spare parts and ammunition package.
The Leopard initiative will complement the effort underway by the Western world to help Ukraine with Leopard 2 main battle tanks.
The German Defence Minister's surprise visit to Ukraine after Berlin agreed German-made Leopards could be sent to Ukraine to counter Russian forces highlights the urgency of the situation.