This is a defining moment for Ukraine, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said just now at a meeting of about 50 allies at US Ramstein Air Base in Germany. They are looking into the delivery of heavy weapons, including tanks. The West will have to do much more, Austin said.
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky also addressed everyone present via video link. He thanked countries profusely for their support, but also stressed the importance of tanks in warfare.
However, the question is how many tanks countries will give to Ukraine. Germany, in particular, is holding back the delivery of heavy German-made Leopold 2 tanks. Berlin must give the green light to other countries that want to send such tanks, such as Poland. Only the British announced they would supply tanks.
Positive decision
However, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell today expects a “positive decision on Ukraine’s request,” foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg told BNR Business.
‘It’s sort of a reassurance, it’s really going to happen. But maybe it won’t be exactly what Ukraine would like.” He continues: ‘To give one example, Spain is definitely against this kind of thing. But Poland and Finland, especially Poland, want to supply the tanks, even if Germany doesn’t give permission. This is also a method.’
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According to Hammelburg, the Germans say they cannot deliver “because the factory that produces the tanks is not operating at maximum capacity”. ‘Defence ministers say they understand this, but according to them there are a total of 2300 tanks, spread across 13 countries in Europe. If Germany now at least gives permission to transfer them to Ukraine and each country supplies 10 or 15, then Ukraine will easily be on the 100 or 130 tanks it thinks it needs. I think this conference is mostly about that. But also of the question that keeps arising: or not to supply weapons for greater distances? They haven’t decided on it yet,’ says Hammelburg.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
