Ukrainian tank crew praise 'nocturnal predator' Leopard 2

Germany's Leopard 2A6 battle tank has been praised by Ukrainian troops using it on the frontline, with one soldier thanking Western nations for sending the vehicle.

Fourteen Leopard 2s were given to Ukraine earlier this year, allowing members of the 47th Mechanised Brigade to transition from the T-64 tank to the more advanced Western model.

In a video released by Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, a loader codenamed 'Yurii' said: "Why was it named Leopard? Because it's swift and it's a nocturnal predator.

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"We mainly operate at night and at dawn because the most effective work of this tank is its advantage, just like a cat.

"When infantry sees a tank, it feels empowered. Of course without infantry we're nothing, and infantry without technology is also nothing."

The 47th Mechanised Brigade pushed through the Russians' first line of defence near Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region using its Leopard tanks.

A Ukrainian tank commander codenamed Fartovyi, which translates to 'fortunate', outlined the advantages he and his fellow soldiers enjoyed while using the Leopard 2.

"We are currently operating in one of the most challenging areas in Zaporizhzhia region where we are conducting offensive operation," he said.

"The advantages of this are, of course, its speed, accuracy and manoeuvrability. It is very manoeuvrable, very fast and it’s precise. We thank our Western partners who provided us with this equipment.

"This vehicle is equipped with two 7.62mm machine guns and a 120mm smoothbore main gun.

"There is a night vision device. It can operate at night. It can provide visibility for up to 4km allowing us to effectively engage the enemy and achieve close to a 100% success rate."

The tank crew's gunner, Vladyslav, described how the survivability of the crew had been increased by the arrival of the Leopard 2.

He said: "The difference is huge because the main advantage of this machine is crew survivability, meaning when you go out in it you are more at ease about your life and the lives of your fellow soldiers.

"There's no such effect as in Soviet equipment, no detonation of the ammo rack and no turret flying off, so to speak."

Vladyslav also noted that the room allowed inside the tank made it more comfortable for taller soldiers like him. This was a common issue for the T-72, which cannot be operated by taller crew members.

He also described the smoothness of the turret and referenced a video created by the German Bundeswehr (armed forces) in 1986 where a Leopard could balance a tankard of beer on the end of its 120mm gun - all while on the move.

This comes after a Ukrainian soldier discussed the capabilities of the UK-supplied Challenger 2s, describing it as a "sniper rifle among tanks". 

Last week, a Challenger 2 was destroyed in Ukraine - the first lost to enemy action. All crew on board survived.