The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has called on EU countries to quickly deliver weapons to Ukraine. “For all member states, those that can do that must deliver quickly, because only then can Ukraine stand its ground in its acute defensive battle against Russia,” said von der Leyen. The subject continues to occupy German domestic politics.
Former Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel (SPD) defended the cautious course of Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and clearly rejected criticism from Ukraine of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Ukrainian ambassador Andriy Melnyk responded with fresh criticism, accusing Gabriel of “years of Putin-friendly politics”.
Long military conflict
“I don’t distinguish between heavy and light weapons. Ukraine should get what it needs for defense and what it can handle,” said von der Leyen of the “Bild am Sonntag”. The head of the commission prepared EU citizens for a long military conflict. “We must do everything we can to end it as soon as possible. At the same time, we must prepare ourselves that the war could last for months, even years in the worst case.”
Heavy losses suffered
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the West to supply heavy weapons to defend his country. According to Western analysts, before the war, Ukraine had about 900 operational tanks and more than 1,200 armored personnel carriers. However, Russian air raids and the fighting that had been going on for almost two months caused heavy casualties. According to Russian data, 2,290 tanks and armored fighting vehicles have been destroyed so far.
No chance without support
In addition, Russia specifically destroyed the tank factories in Lviv, Zhytomyr, Kiev and Kharkov. Kiev therefore lacks the capacity to repair and reactivate disused old Soviet stockpiles, as workshops have been deliberately destroyed by the Russian military. Without the support of tanks, the Ukrainian army is unable to launch an offensive on its own or to repel the large-scale Russian attack that threatens from the east.
Zelenskyj had already charged that Kiev could have fought to liberate the besieged port city of Mariupol if the West had delivered tanks in time.
$800 million in military aid
Meanwhile, the first parts of the latest US arms and ammunition support package have arrived in Ukraine, CNN news channel reported Sunday evening. Washington on Wednesday promised Kiev additional weapons and ammunition worth $800 million (€740 million), including artillery, armored vehicles and helicopters.
Until now, Germany supplied bazookas, anti-aircraft missiles, machine guns, but also vehicles, night vision goggles and protective equipment. In view of the expected major Russian offensive in the east of the country, Ukraine is also demanding that the German government provide heavy weapons. This includes, for example, battle tanks, artillery pieces or combat helicopters.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
