The Kremlin is not impressed by the announcement that British main battle tanks will be delivered to Ukraine. According to Russian Presidential Office spokesman Dmitry Peskov, new shipments from countries such as Britain and Poland will not change the situation on the ground, but will only create more problems for Ukraine. It has also become known that Kiev will receive a new EU aid loan of three billion euros on Tuesday.
Britain announced on Saturday that it would make 14 Challenger 2 tanks and other artillery available to Ukraine in the coming weeks.
Tensions in Russia
Peskov also denied a conflict between the Defense Ministry and the Wagner mercenary group fighting for Russia in Ukraine. This is a fabrication of the media, the Kremlin spokesman said. The reports of an alleged rift between the armed forces and Wagner are information manipulations. Russia recognizes both as heroes and “both will forever be remembered”.
However, tensions became apparent on Friday. The ministry claimed to have captured the Ukrainian town of Soledar – which Ukraine denied – but initially made no mention of the role of the mercenaries in the fighting. Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin then complained about attempts to belittle the role of his fighters and their achievements.
The ministry later released an update praising the “courageous and selfless actions” of the Wagner militants.
The British main battle tank “Challenger 2”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday outlined Britain’s intention to step up aid to Ukraine, including the deployment of Challenger 2 tanks and additional artillery systems. According to the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, four tanks would initially be delivered, with eight more to follow.
Britain is the first Western country to send heavy battle tanks to Ukraine.
Ukraine receives new EU aid loan
Ukraine will also receive a new EU aid loan of three billion euros on Tuesday. As Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Monday, it is part of a loan program totaling €18 billion agreed by EU member states in December for this year.
With the new financial support, the EU wants to enable the Ukrainian state to continue paying wages and pensions. In addition, the operation of hospitals, schools and emergency shelters for resettled people must be guaranteed. In addition, the money can also be used to restore the infrastructure destroyed by the Russian offensive war. These are, for example, power lines, water systems and roads and bridges.
Ukraine has up to 35 years to repay the loans, which are scheduled to start in 2033. The interest costs are borne by the member states of the EU.
Source: Krone
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