On Thursday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg paid an unexpected visit to Kyiv, Ukraine.
Stoltenberg paid his tribute to servicemen who died battling Russian forces. During his first visit to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion last year. And examined Russian military equipment on display in a key square in Kyiv.
The NATO chief’s visit comes as Ukrainian forces prepare for a spring onslaught after Russia’s winter push. Particularly around the town of Bakhmut, largely failed.
NATO has vowed to assist Ukraine in defending itself against Russian invasion.
Stoltenberg has asked Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to attend the July NATO summit.
Meanwhile, Denmark and the Netherlands announced an agreement to purchase and donate 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. As additional heavy weapons are offered to Kyiv.
Moreover, the tanks have long been on Ukraine’s wish list of military weaponry.
“The Netherlands and Denmark today announce our intention to jointly acquire, refurbish, and donate 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks for Ukraine,” according to a statement from the Danish military ministry.
It stated that the tanks would be delivered starting in “early 2024,” and that the projected cost of €165 million would be “equally divided” among the countries.
“In this way, we will jointly participate in the ‘Leopard 2 coalition,’ which is supported by many partners and allies,” according to the statement.
Separately, Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren stated that “Ukrainian and European security are inextricably linked.”
Germany and the United Kingdom each sent 18 modern Leopard 2 tanks and 14 Challenger 2 tanks last month.