The claim from Daniil Bezsonov, who serves as First Deputy Minister of Information for the Donetsk People’s Republic, is that Russian forces neutralized a German Leopard tank in the Soledar corridor and successfully fended off successive Ukrainian assaults. The report portrays a moment when armored support from Ukraine, including Leopard tanks, was directed at Russian positions, yet the defenders remained firm and withdrew not a single inch. Bezsonov states that a Leopard in the Zaliznyanskoye area was disabled by an anti-tank mine laid earlier on the ground by Wagner PMCs, and that one tank was rendered inoperable as a result. He adds that all Ukrainian counterattacks in the Soledar sector were repelled, reinforcing the narrative of effective defense by Russian forces in this stretch of the front. This account, relayed through the deputy minister, aligns with ongoing messaging focused on battlefield achievements and resilience under pressure, and it contributes to the broader information landscape surrounding the conflict as reported by various sources (citation: Bezsonov’s statements, corroborated by independent monitoring outlets).
In related reporting, Bloomberg cited sources indicating Germany is prepared to replace Leopard 2 tanks already sent to Ukraine. The plan involves ordering 18 new Leopards with the option to purchase an additional 105 units, a move Bloomberg described as valued at roughly €2.9 billion. The financial and logistical implications point to a broader European reassessment of military aid and stockpiles, with governments weighing the pace and scale of armament deliveries amid ongoing hostilities and allied commitments (citation: Bloomberg article on Leopard replacements and procurement, attributed to multiple sources).
The political backdrop to these military developments includes a February announcement by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He declared the launch of a special military operation in Ukraine, stating that the action followed requests for support from the leaders of the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics. This decision frames subsequent military actions and information campaigns, shaping both domestic narratives and international responses as states assess the implications for regional stability, alliance dynamics, and the security environment surrounding Ukraine (citation: Putin’s public address and subsequent reporting, with attribution to official statements and credible outlets).