Against the backdrop of the expected Kiev counter-offensive, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj reported on the creation of new military units. “We are also actively preparing new brigades and units that will prove themselves at the front,” the 45-year-old said in his daily video address on Friday. In his meetings with the General Staff, the point is to make all resources available for the liberation of Ukraine from Russian occupation.
“All of us in Ukraine must understand that the main task of the state is to liberate our territories, to bring back our land and our people from Russian captivity.” State resources would primarily be used for this, according to the head of state. The front has top priority, he emphasized.
He also thanked Western partners who are helping Ukraine defend itself as part of the Ramstein format. “Your determination fully corresponds to the real situation and needs on the battlefield,” Zelenskyy said.
From Ramstein there were some new commitments to Kiev: Leopard tanks from Germany that were damaged in the war in Ukraine must be repaired in Poland in the future and thus be able to return to the front more quickly. Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) agreed on Friday in Ramstein with his colleagues from Warsaw and Kiev to set up an associated repair center. A fund solution was agreed for the “fair distribution” of the costs of 150 to 200 million euros per year.
The center is likely to begin operations at the end of May and will also demonstrate the determination of Ukrainian partners to continue to support the country in its war against Russia, Pistorius said on the sidelines of the meeting of the Ukrainian contact group at the US military base in Ramstein. There will be a first work session next week. Pistorius also announced that starting Saturday (today), more than 100 Ukrainian soldiers will be trained on the Leopard 1 main battle tank.
Latvia, meanwhile, has announced it will supply weapons to the country under attack by Russia, following talks in Ramstein about further Western military aid to Ukraine. According to the Ministry of Defense of the Baltic EU and NATO country, all Stinger anti-aircraft missiles still in stock with the Latvian armed forces will be transferred to Kiev.
According to Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, Spain wants to deliver six of a total of ten Leopard tanks to Ukraine in the coming days. “After that there will be a second package with four more tanks,” Albares told media group Funke newspapers on Saturday. These are older Type 2A4 Leopard tanks.
“We will support Ukraine as long as it takes,” Albares said, referring to Russia’s war of aggression. “This includes humanitarian aid, the reception of refugees and the supply of defensive weapons.” These were used for self-defense and to restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine. “In the internationally recognized borders, including Crimea. But the final decision is in the hands of the Ukrainian government,” Albares added.
Most European heads of state remain reserved about the delivery of Western fighter jets to Ukraine. However, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has spoken out in favor of continuing talks on the transfer of Western fighter jets to Ukraine. Supplies by alliance partners should be discussed further, Stoltenberg said Friday on the sidelines of the Ramstein meeting.
While military preparations for the expected Ukrainian counter-offensive are underway, fears of possible consequences are being expressed. For example, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned of a nuclear accident as a result of the increasing hostilities around the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine. “I saw clear signs of military preparations in the area when I visited the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant three weeks ago,” IAEA director Rafael Grossi said Friday, according to a statement from the agency. Since then, the nuclear experts stationed on site have repeatedly recorded explosions in the immediate vicinity of the plant.
He was “deeply concerned” about the current situation. The precarious situation requires further pressure so that the facility is not fired upon and not used as a starting point for attacks. He will continue to negotiate with Russians and Ukrainians on this matter, Grossi said.
Although the Ukrainian counter-offensive is expected soon, Russia is still attacking targets in the Donbass region. The situation has escalated, especially around the town of Bachmut, which has been under siege for months. The Russian attackers are trying to cut off the supply routes of the Ukrainian garrison in the city. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
On the same day of the terrorist attack on the Krokus City Hall in Moscow,…
class="sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc">1/4Residents of Tenerife have had enough of noisy and dirty tourists.It's too loud, the…
class="sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc">1/7Packing his things in Munich in the summer: Thomas Tuchel.After just over a year,…
At least seven people have been killed and 57 injured in severe earthquakes in the…
The American space agency NASA would establish a uniform lunar time on behalf of the…
class="sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc">1/8Bode Obwegeser was surprised by the earthquake while he was sleeping. “It was a…