Before Western allies discussed further arms deliveries to Ukraine, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock confirmed that the German government was not considering supplying fighter jets.
Baerbock is visiting the Finnish capital Helsinki.
On the other hand, several NATO countries and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg were open to the delivery of fighter jets. Stoltenberg emphasized: “It is important that NATO is not part of the conflict.” He pointed to the difference between a no-fly zone over Ukraine to be enforced by NATO and the possibility for NATO partners to deliver aircraft to Kiev for use by Ukrainians themselves. “Those are two very different things.”
President Zelenskyy calls for faster weapons deliveries to Brussels, but not everyone agrees with Berlin’s promise of tanks. ZDFlive today with military expert Gressel.
09.02.2023 | 41:53 minutes
Stoltenberg also increased pressure on NATO partners to deliver more weapons: “It’s clear we’re in a logistical race.” The aim is to equip Ukraine with ammunition, fuel and spare parts before Moscow takes the initiative on the battlefield again. New Russian offensives are expected soon.
Defense ministers and military officials from Western countries will gather in Brussels on Tuesday for another meeting in the so-called Ramstein format. The Ukrainian defense minister is also expected to attend.
The Leopard 2 is a main battle tank with 1,500 hp. The Marder armored vehicle has a significantly smaller gun, but can transport soldiers faster.
01/19/2023 | 01:04 min As a rule, new commitments for handing over weapons are made at these meetings. Germany is trying to forge an alliance to supply Leopard 2 main battle tanks. The federal government has pledged 14 examples.
You can find the latest news about Russia’s attack on Ukraine anytime on our live blog: