The time the free world uses to think, the terrorist state uses to kill, Zelensky said in his speech
By Athena Papakosta
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking to political leaders in Davos, stressed that Western arms supplies should reach Ukraine faster than new Russian attacks because, as he explained, “the time the free world is using to come to think of it, the terrorist state is using him to kill.”
For Volodymyr Zelensky, his allies must not hesitate and the vital tanks must be sent immediately before they “invade” those of the Russians.
Zelensky’s speech – via video conference – at the Davos Economic Forum followed the helicopter crash in a residential area in Brovary of Kyiv yesterday, Wednesday, from which at least 14 people lost their lives. Among the dead are Ukraine’s Interior Minister Denis Monastirsky, his deputy Yevgeny Jenin and the ministry’s secretary Yuriy Lumbkovych. The Ukrainian president called for a minute’s silence to be observed in memory of the victims. While the causes of the crash have not been ascertained, he noted that “every death is a consequence of war”.
Kiev has repeatedly asked its Western allies for modernized heavy tanks so that it can influence the image in its favor in the field. Russia has more modern tanks than Ukraine, which estimates that Moscow is massing forces for a new large-scale offensive in the spring. So far, only Britain has broken the taboo on sending tanks by pledging 14 Challenger 2 tanks – a promise that Ukrainian forces have welcomed with enthusiasm.
But Germany is under particularly strong pressure to contribute further to the arming of Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks. At the moment, Poland has decided to send Leopard 2s to the Ukrainian armed forces. Of course, their supply requires Berlin’s approval for their delivery as the Leopard 2s are produced by the German arms industry. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, when asked about it, replied that Berlin is one of the leading suppliers of military equipment to Ukraine, stressing that the German government will continue to support Kiev as long as necessary without, however, making any mention of tanks.
But NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed that “it is very dangerous to underestimate Russia” and asked for more weapons for Ukraine as he said: “The road to peace is through weapons (…) but these will they must be given quickly”. The NATO Secretary General also referred to the two-day meeting of the Contact Group for Ukraine at the American base in Ramstein, Germany, with the participation of the American Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, today Thursday and tomorrow, Friday. As he said in this meeting, the relevant discussions will be held to find ways to supply heavy and more modernized weapons to the country.
At the same time, the United States appears to be finalizing a new $2.6 billion military aid package to Ukraine that is expected to include for the first time 100 Strycker armored fighting vehicles and at least 50 Bradleys. And the line around Berlin for Leopards is tightening.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
