Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expects “strong decisions” from Western allies, meeting this Friday in Ramstein, Germany, recalling the need to strengthen defenses to fight the Russian invasion.
“We are preparing for the Ramstein of tomorrow [sexta-feira] – we expect strong decisions. We expect a strong package of military aid from the United States.”underlined Zelensky in the usual daily evening address to the nation.
Military aid to Kiev will be discussed at the Defense Contact Group for Ukraine meeting Friday at the US military base in Ramstein, southwest Germany.
One of the problems is the supply of modern Western main battle tanks to Ukraine, such as the German-made Leopard 2.
Germany has so far refused to authorize the supply of Leopard tanks from other NATO countries to Ukraine, stating that this decision can only be made “in consultation” with the Allies, after it already has Gepard-type armored vehicles. (German high-level vehicles). -tech anti-aircraft combat equipment) and committed to sending Marder (German infantry fighting vehicles, used in the Cold War) as it began bringing Patriot system batteries to Poland on Monday.
“Many countries are willing to supply tanks to us, they are motivated and support us, but they are waiting for the relevant documents from the countries that have the right to give permission (…) We are all waiting for the permission of the country [fabricante] who owns the rights to the respective licenses”said the Ukrainian head of state, quoted by the Interfax-Ukraine agency.
Defense ministers and representatives from 10 NATO countries demanded the urgent delivery of more heavy weapons, including tanks, to Kiev on Thursday ahead of the Ramstein meeting.
The UK has already pledged 14 Challenger 2 heavy tanks and 600 Brimstone missiles, and Poland says it is ready to send 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks if Berlin allows them to be sent to Ukraine.
The United States has already supplied Ukraine with Bradley main battle tanks and will continue to send military equipment to Kiev’s armed forces.
The Bradleys are lighter armored main battle tanks with a smaller gun, typically 25mm compared to the 120mm Abrams, which the US deems inappropriate for the Ukraine conflict.
US media reported on Wednesday that the US will announce a new major military aid package for Ukraine on Friday, which will include artillery, munitions and Stryker armored vehicles.
Also this Thursday, Zelensky said several European countries, including Portugal, are available to supply Western war tanks.
Volodymyr Zelensky also stressed in his daily speech that “several strong decisions” were taken this Thursday by partners to strengthen Ukrainian defenses, especially the reinforcement of artillery.
The Ukrainian head of state thanked Estonia for the “largest military aid package” to date, for “howitzers and ammunition”, and Sweden for the new military package for NLAW, archers and IFVs.
He also thanked Denmark for the decision on ‘Caesar’ mobile artillery systems, which will “significantly strengthen” the Ukrainian army, and Lithuania for the new military package for anti-aircraft systems, ammunition and helicopters.
The military offensive launched by Russia in Ukraine on February 24, 2022 has so far led to the flight of more than 14 million people — 6.5 million internally displaced persons and nearly eight million to European countries — according to the latest data from the UN, which classifies this refugee crisis as the worst in Europe since World War II (1939-1945).
Source: DN
