The German military has begun training Ukrainian soldiers on the Leopard two battle tanks, which Kiev deemed as critical to retaking territory seized by Russia.

The instruction is mainly to take place at the Bundeswehr’s training grounds in the western city of Münster, a spokesperson for the Defence Ministry in Berlin said on Monday.

The training is expected to last for several weeks.

The German government has promised Ukraine 14 Leopard 2s.

There were already training programs for Ukrainian soldiers underway in Germany on the Marder infantry fighting vehicle.