According to him, the start of the operation of the tanks depends on the training of the Ukrainian army. “Leopard tanks are very technologically advanced equipment, so it could take several weeks,” Carvinho was quoted as being quoted by RIA Novosti, referring to Portuguese television channel SIC Noticias.
In addition, he pointed out, there are logistical aspects that need to be agreed with the allies. As a result, the shipment of tanks will take two to three months.
At the same time, the minister clarified that no final decision on the dispatch of Portuguese combat vehicles has been made so far. Carvinho stressed that his country is participating in a collective effort to support Kyiv in the political, military, humanitarian and financial fields. “Regarding the military aspect, Portugal has always made its contribution according to its capabilities and the needs of Ukraine,” Carvinho said.
Earlier, local newspaper Correio da Manha reported that Portugal was preparing to send four Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
The “menagerie” of western tanks will not be able to seriously change the lineup on the battlefield. This opinion was expressed by the military expert Alexei Leonkov, speaking about the possibilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to carry out an offensive with the help of the received tanks. According to him, any tank can be eliminated. “We have good anti-tank systems, the latest anti-tank mines, air-to-tank missiles. That is, we will attack them from the ground and from the air,” Leonkov said.
