German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that at the meeting of the Contact Group for Supporting Ukraine in Ramstein, the number one discussed priority was Ukraine’s anti-aircraft defense. – In helping Ukraine in the fight against Russia, training of Ukrainian soldiers, long-term deliveries and the ability to repair equipment are important – he said.
On Friday at the US base in Ramstein in Germany, chaired by the US defense minister Lloyd Austinanother meeting of the contact group for Ukraine’s defense support in the group of 50 countries began.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during the conference, he said that various European countries have declared the transfer of armored equipment to Ukraine and this is a very important support. – It’s about German Mardera combat vehicles, Great Britain decided to send Challengers, Poland and France also declared to send tanks – he mentioned.
Pistorius on talk priorities
After the talks with journalists, the German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius spoke at the conference. “The number one priority we discussed at Ramstein is Ukraine’s air defense,” he said. – Our goal was to determine the prospects for ending the Russian aggression against Ukraine as soon as possible – he clarified.
– In helping Ukraine in the fight against Russia, training of Ukrainian soldiers, long-term deliveries and the ability to repair equipment are important – he mentioned. He noted that the Ukrainian armed forces must be ready to use the equipment provided immediately.
Boris Pistorius at the base in RamsteinPAP/EPA/RONALD WITTEK
Pistorius also said that he ordered inspection of Leopard tanks in Germany. He also noted that this does not mean much, and may be a possible preparation for a possible decision to transfer the tanks.
The issue of export authorization for Leopard 2 tanks has been discussed, but there is no decision on the matter, he added.
Almost 11 months after the Russian invasion, the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky he expressed frustration over the insufficient amount of armaments from the Western allies. The AP reported that speaking via video link on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Zelensky offered veiled criticism of major allies such as Germany and United Stateswho hesitated to send tanks.
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Main photo source: PAP/EPA/RONALD WITTEK