Russia claims to have shot down Leopard tanks – but they were probably combine harvesters

war in Ukraine
Russia claims to have shot down Leopard tanks – but they were probably combine harvesters

According to Russian information, these are the contours of a Leopard tank. Moments later, the vehicle is shot at and destroyed

© Screenshot telegram/concordgroup_official/1172

Russia boasts of shooting down Leopard tanks. But even pro-Russian military bloggers have criticized the alleged video evidence.

A video by the Russian Ministry of Defense is causing a stir inside and outside of Russia. Because, according to official information, the destruction of Leopard tanks can be seen in it.

But even the pro-Russian military blog “Woenny Oswedomitel” judges by looking at the pictures: the video shows the destruction of a tractor. “It then entered the Department of Defense reports as Leopard 2.” Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu had previously announced, among other things, the destruction of eight Leopard main battle tanks.

Criticism from Russia of alleged Leopard shooting

Other Russian military bloggers also criticized the success story as an obvious duck. According to the nationalist blogger Fighterbomber, these are images from the previous year. At that time, Kiev did not have any Western Leopard-type main battle tanks. German military expert Carlo Masala posted a video clip of the alleged destruction of a Leopard on Twitter. “Russia destroyed two combine harvesters. Slow clap,” Masala sarcastically commented on the video.

Germany delivered the most Leopard tanks to Ukraine. They are to help the country recapture its Russian-held territories during the planned offensive. Most recently, the Federal Ministry of Defense had another delivery of military material to Ukraine in mid-May announced, including 30 Leopard 1 A5s. How many Leopard tanks have already arrived in Ukraine and how many are yet to be delivered is not yet clear.

Moscow exaggerates when it comes to success stories

In the past, the Russian Ministry of Defense has repeatedly exaggerated its success stories. According to its spokesman Igor Konashenkov, the Russian army has shot down significantly more Ukrainian planes than the country ever had.

with DPA

source site-3