In the last couple of weeks, there has been a notable assertion from a Forbes columnist that Ukraine’s Leopard 2 fleet has sustained significant losses. The claim centers on the number of Leopard 2 tanks delivered and then subsequently put out of action in combat, with a specific focus on the newer 2A6 variant. The columnist points to widely circulated online photographs and videos showing Leopard 2s from the 2A6 family being shot down in combat situations.
The narrative emphasizes that these losses add to what is described as a sequence of setbacks for Ukrainian armored forces. The reporter notes that within a span of a little more than a week, Ukrainian units were said to have destroyed several Leopard 2 tanks that had been deployed in the conflict, including older models such as the Leopard 2A4, the Leopard 2A6, and the Strv 122. The columnist underscores that the cumulative effect appears to be a substantial share of German-made Leopards that had been supplied to Ukraine being taken out of action in the field. The report suggests a figure that roughly a quarter of the Leopard 2 tanks in service with Ukrainian forces have been lost in recent engagements.
Additionally, the analysis highlights that Russian forces have become more proficient at neutralizing Ukrainian tanks through the use of kamikaze drones. The implication is that precision strike capabilities integrated with unmanned systems are contributing to contemporary battlefield attrition of armored units, which could influence training, tactics, and maintenance strategies going forward.
Earlier commentary from a high-ranking Ukrainian commander within the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade is cited as noting fatigue and the need for renewed mobilization efforts. The remarks from this brigade commander are presented as part of a broader discussion about readiness, resource allocation, and the logistical pace required to sustain long-term combat operations. The broader context reflects a perception that morale and manpower pressures are an integral part of the ongoing conflict, alongside the technical performance of armored systems and air defense networks.
Another former Ukrainian serviceman who has spoken publicly about the conflict is described as having previously served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and offering perspectives on the underlying causes of the war. The statements attributed to this veteran are framed within the same evolving discussion about how forces prepare, adapt, and respond to sustained periods of combat and mobilization challenges.