WEconomy Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) has spoken out in favor of Germany allowing Poland and other countries to supply Leopard main battle tanks to Ukraine. “I think it’s right if other countries want to help, that you don’t disturb them and stop their assistance,” said Habeck at the World Economic Forum in Davos on the WELT news channel.
Poland had announced that it would provide Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine as part of an international coalition. Because of the War Weapons Control Act, however, approval from the country of the manufacturer is required – i.e. Germany. “The Ukrainian army has shown responsibility,” said Habeck. Weapons delivered so far have been used precisely. The army gained ground with it.
Habeck avoided the question of whether Germany should also supply battle tanks. “It is obvious that Ukraine needs further support and deserves it,” said the Vice-Chancellor. The successor to Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht would have to clarify whether these could be supplied from stocks of industry or the Bundeswehr.
All developments in the live ticker:
10:28 a.m. – Pistorius is to become the new defense minister
According to WELT information, Lower Saxony Interior Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) is to follow Christine Lambrecht. Chancellor Scholz wants to officially announce the successor to the resigned Defense Minister later today.
10:25 a.m. – Zelenskyy’s adviser submits resignation
Ukraine’s presidential adviser Oleksy Arestovych has resigned after criticism of his comments on the Dnipro airstrike. After a Russian missile hit a block of flats, killing at least 41 people, he said the Kh-22 may have been shot down by Ukrainian anti-aircraft guns. This led to an outcry. On Facebook, he now apologizes to the victims, their relatives and the people of Dnipro for his misrepresentation. According to Ukraine, it is not able to intercept Russian missiles of this type.
10:21 am – Russia announces reform of armed forces
Russia has announced “major changes” to its armed forces over the next three years. From 2023 to 2026, the number of military personnel will be increased to 1.5 million, the Department of Defense said. There will also be changes in management. “Only by strengthening the main structural components of the armed forces is it possible to ensure military protection of the state and protect new parts and critical facilities of the Russian Federation,” Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was quoted as saying.
10:20 am – Shoigu visits invading force headquarters
According to Moscow, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited the headquarters of an army unit stationed in Ukraine. The commander of the Vostok group and commanders of other units informed Shoigu about the “progress in the fulfillment of combat objectives,” the Defense Ministry said. Whether the headquarters of the Vostok group is in Ukraine or in Russia remains open.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the headquarters of the invading forces
Source: via REUTERS
A video released by the ministry along with the statement shows Shoigu speaking to military commanders, some of whom are connected via video. Chief of Staff Valeri Gerasimov, who was recently appointed supreme commander of the Russian armed forces in Ukraine, was also connected via video.
09:52 – Many missing after attack on high-rise building in Dnipro
After a Russian missile hit a high-rise building in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the emergency services are still looking for more than 20 missing people. The military governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Valentyn Resnichenko, said that 90 percent of the rubble of the house had been removed.
There could still be people lying there. 40 dead have been pulled from the rubble so far; around 80 people were injured, including 16 children. There are still 28 injured people in hospitals, many of whom are in critical condition, it said. A large part of the nine-story skyscraper collapsed on Saturday after a rocket hit. 200 homes were destroyed.
8:20 a.m. – Selenskyj warns to hurry up when deciding on a main battle tank
In view of the Russian rocket attack on the industrial city of Dnipro, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for heavy weapons from the West and has therefore praised Great Britain. “A new defense aid package has been announced – exactly what is needed: main battle tanks, other armored vehicles and artillery,” the 44-year-old said in his daily video address on Monday evening.
He awaits decisions on further arms deliveries from the World Economic Forum in Davos and the Ukraine Contact Group conference in Ramstein. According to Zelensky, around 40 people died when a Russian missile hit a residential building in the industrial city of Dnipro over the weekend. About two dozen are still missing. Ukraine will do everything in its power to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
At the same time, the President warned the West to hurry to deliver the desired tanks. Russia’s attack on Dnipro and its new attempts to take the initiative in the war required “new solutions” and quicker decisions. Zelenskyy pointed out the strong Russian troop concentrations in the Donbass, especially around the cities of Bakhmut and Soledar, but also in southern Ukraine. “We will see what Russia is preparing here,” said the President.
03:33 – Sherman promises ‘unwavering’ US support on visit to Kyiv
Two days after the deadly attack on an apartment building in eastern Ukraine’s Dnipro, US Deputy Secretary of Defense Wendy Sherman has once again pledged Ukraine’s “unwavering” support. Sherman traveled to Kyiv and met both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, the Foreign Ministry in Washington said. The talks were primarily about strengthening Kiev’s defense capabilities in the face of Russian aggression.
02:38 – Ukraine is again pushing for faster arms shipments from the west
Ukraine’s Security Council Secretary Oleski Danilov has said on Ukrainian television that his country expects a “final push by Russia” on the anniversary of the invasion on February 24 or in March. Therefore, the supply of weapons from the West must be accelerated. “We have to prepare for such events every day. And we are preparing. The first and last question is always for weapons, for help to defeat this aggressor who has invaded our country.”
02:05 – Ukrainian Army: Numerous towns in the north-east and south under fire
According to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Army, around 25 towns and villages around Bakhmut and Avdiivka in the Donbass region are under Russian artillery fire. In addition, Russia continued shelling more than 30 settlements in the northeastern Kharkiv and Sumy regions near the Russian border. Several cities in the south, including the regional capital of Kherson, were also being attacked with mortar and artillery fire. The reports could not be independently verified.
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