Germany began using Soviet tanks on loan from museums, to prepare Ukrainian military personnel for frontline conditions, said Lieutenant General Andreas Marlov, head of the EU Special Training Command Ukraine. The use of older Soviet equipment aims to recreate real combat conditions, as Russian forces often have similar models and apply tried-and-tested strategies from the Soviet era, as quoted by Focus.
From 2022 until now, around 18,000 Ukrainian soldiers from 17 different countries have been trained in Germany, with the program covering work with advanced tanks, high-precision air defense systems, sniper training, engineering skills, medical assistance and drone control. The inclusion of old Soviet tanks in the training allows the Ukrainian military to learn safety measures when working with them, including how to recognize and avoid mines and traps in abandoned equipment.
Within the framework of the program, trench systems were created according to Russian standards, which allowed Ukrainian soldiers to explore the models of Russian fortifications and familiarize themselves with the location of cover and firing positions. Lieutenant General Marlov explains that training with these trenches and Soviet tanks is useful for recognizing potential threats, as well as learning tactics for avoiding traps.
In addition to Soviet equipment, the program also includes modern simulators, as well as high-tech mannequins that allow medical personnel to practice complex operating procedures. Drone training also plays an important role, as these devices are widely used in the war in Ukraine for reconnaissance and other military operations.
Last Friday, the training mission was extended for another two years to continue building new skills and tactics for Ukrainian military forces in the context of the changing needs of the conflict.