Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this Friday insisted that Ukraine needs tanks, namely Leopard, and asked for more equipment from the Contact Group which is discussing military supplies to Kiev this Friday.
“We appreciate all the support received so far – and your anti-aircraft systems – but we need artillery and tanks”said the Ukrainian leader at the opening of the sessions of the international meeting to be held at the US base in Ramstein, Germany.
“Time is a decisive factor”, emphasized the Ukrainian head of state.
“We must act quickly, time must be on our side, it must be one of our weapons, just like armored fighting vehicles and anti-aircraft systems.”, said.
This war started by Russia “allows no delay,” Zelensky added, thanking the support given so far, but underlining that Kiev needs more “urgent support”.
According to Zelensky, the Russia “doesn’t just want Ukraine. It wants more. It wants to destroy the values of freedom and human rights. Ukraine fights for peace on its own territory and to keep the value system alive.”
The Ukrainian head of state stressed that the next meeting should be about the possible deployment of F-16 fighter-bombers and long-range missiles.
“You have the power to place these resources in our hands to defend ourselves, but also to defend you, as well as to defend peace and freedom in general”, said.
Zelensky’s intervention followed a message from US Secretary of Defense Lluyd Austin urging Contact Group members to “increase aid”.
On the other hand, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced that “there are three priorities of Ukraine in Ramstein”.
“The first is air defense systems,” says the Kiev statement, quoted by the agency Ukrinform.
Secondly, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is asking international allies for “weapons for offensive operations (tanks, howitzers and ammunition)”.
Finally, the ministry refers to the priority of an “ammunition supply system”, also emphasizing the importance of resources for “maintenance and repair of weapons and equipment”.
Source: DN
