Ukraine has deployed Leopard tanks to fortify its defensive positions in Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts as the counteroffensive concludes for the year.

Switzerland approved the transfer of 25 decommissioned Leopard 2 tanks to Germany under the condition that they must not leave EU or NATO member states, the Swiss Federal Council announced on Nov. 22.

German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall is preparing to send 25 Leopard-1A5 tanks to Ukraine, financed by the German government, the company said in a statement on Nov. 14.

Leopard tanks on the front lines in Ukraine are being used less to lead big offensives against Russia and more as long-range artillery, AFP reports.

The Ukrainian military has begun using Leopard tanks for defense, particularly as long-range artillery. They are, for example, deployed near Avdiivka and Lyman in the Donetsk region, Yahoo News reports.