Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the allies for the decision to send “modern and much-needed” tanks, and said Kiev also needs increased cooperation in the field of aircraft, long-range missiles and artillery with NATO countries.
“I spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today. Delivery of long-range missiles to Ukraine should also begin. The important thing is that we expand our cooperation in the field of artillery and start supplying aircraft to Ukraine. And this is a dream. And this task. An important task for all of us, ”Zelensky said in a daily message on his Telegram channel.
Speaking about the supply of tanks, the President of Ukraine called the main task to ensure their efficiency and volume, as well as the speed of crew training.
The fact that Ukraine will now insist on the purchase of fourth-generation fighter jets, such as the American F-16, was told by Yuriy Sak, an adviser to the head of the country’s defense ministry, to Reuters.
“If we get them, the advantages on the battlefield will be huge … It’s not just an F-16: what we need are fourth-generation aircraft,” said the consultant.
Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on social media that the European Union is preparing to supply F-16s to Kiev, referring to an unnamed “European colleague”. The possibility of sending such fighters to Kiev was announced on January 20 by Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra.
Previously, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had refused to send warplanes to Ukraine. The White House did not directly respond to Washington’s question whether it plans to meet Kiev’s demand for fighter jets. White House National Security Council strategic communications coordinator John Kirby said Washington was discussing capabilities with Ukrainians and developing them “as circumstances changed”.
Britain, which previously agreed to send Challenger tanks to Ukraine, still refuses to transfer Typhoon planes to Ukraine, fearing an extreme escalation, The Telegraph reported, citing a source.
What tanks will Ukraine get?
Germany agreed to supply Ukraine with 14 Leopard 2 tanks as a “first step” and allow other countries to begin deliveries of these vehicles. In total, Germany and Ukraine’s other allies agreed to transport 112 Leopard tanks to Ukraine. These are two tank battalions.
In December, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valery Zaluzhny, argued that Ukraine should receive 300 tanks to return to the borders by February 24.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the first German tanks could arrive in Ukraine within three months. Berlin also plans to organize training for the Ukrainian army in Germany and has promised Ukraine assistance with ammunition and maintenance.
Finland and Poland announced the transfer of military vehicles to Ukraine, while Spain, the Netherlands and Norway reported that they were considering this possibility. In turn, Britain will supply Ukraine with 14 Challenger 2 tanks and France will supply AMX10-RC light wheeled tanks in early February and is discussing the transfer of Leclerc heavy tanks to Kiev.
According to the statement of US President Joe Biden: Washington will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks and eight M88 repair and recovery armored vehicles to Ukraine. He said that in the coming weeks, Russian troops will intensify offensive operations, so the Armed Forces of Ukraine are preparing for a counterattack.
According to Biden, 31 M1 Abrams tanks are equivalent to “a Ukrainian tank battalion”.
“The materials will help Ukraine defend its territory, fulfill its military duties, and also regain control of lost territories, including Crimea,” the White House said.
Russian authorities have repeatedly warned of the negative consequences of sending tanks to Ukraine. According to Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, the transfer of such weapons will not radically change the situation, but will “increase problems” for Ukraine.
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.