Half of Russia’s heavy tanks were likely destroyed or captured by Ukraine, a Pentagon official said Friday.
• Also read: Russia cuts oil production in March, prices are rising
• Also read: Ukraine: New “massive” Russian attack on energy sites
• Also read: Ukraine: Macron considers aircraft delivery “in the coming weeks” impossible
Russia “probably lost half of its main battle tank reserves in fighting and capture by the Ukrainians,” Celeste Wallander said at an online event for the Center for a New American Security.
Wallander’s estimate, which did not provide exact figures for Russia’s tank losses since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, comes as Kiev prepares to receive heavy tanks from its western allies.
The UK has indicated that its Challenger 2 tanks will be stationed in Ukraine in March, while Germany and its allies plan to send their battalion of Leopard 2 tanks to Kiev by April.
Washington has also promised a battalion of 31 Abrams, but they should take longer to get to Ukraine.