 Russian military destroys first Leopard 1A5 tank in Ukraine. Russian forces have destroyed the first Leopard 1A5 tank in the course of the special military operation in the Kupiansk area the Russian Defense Ministry told TASS. The commander of the battle group West has again lauded the successful actions of an anti-tank system crew of the first tank army who destroyed a Leopard 1A5 tank. The ministry quoted Vladimir Lugovoy, deputy commander of the Western military district. According to Lugovoy the tank was trying to break through the defenses of Russian forces but was burnt down. The soldier who hit the tank was awarded with a certificate for 700,000 rubles or 7,890 US dollars. Apart from that they were awarded orders of courage and other state awards. In early November the German government announced the supply of 25 Leopard 1A5 tanks to Ukraine. It also supplied reconnaissance, drones and radars. Germany in collaboration with its allies has already provided Ukraine with several dozen Leopard 1A5 tanks. The vehicle boasts excellent optics and a 105 millimeter cannon but its armor is comparatively weak. On the front line the Ukrainian Leopard 1 was observed without any additional protection such as dynamic defense systems or grids to counter kamikaze drones leaving concerns about its vulnerability.