U.S. and Germany to Send Dozens of Tanks to Russia
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This is CNBC’s live blog that tracks developments in the war in Ukraine. For the most recent updates, see below.
Germany and the U.S. announced Wednesday that they would send several tanks to Ukraine. This major shift in aid gives the Baltic nation greater firepower against Russia.
Berlin officials said they would send 14 of their own tanks – and will allow others to send their own German-made tanks – in an about-face from its previous position. U.S. President Joe Biden followed suit Soon after, plans were announced to send 31 Abrams tanks into Ukraine.
Germany was reported to be reluctant to send its own tanks without the U.S., and a German defense summit last Friday had failed in reaching an agreement on tanks. So the U-turn expected Wednesday would signify a unified position.
Sergey Nechayev from Russia, the ambassador to Germany, called Berlin’s move an “anonymous”. “extremely dangerous decision.”
Ukraine has been asking for modern tanks from its allies since months, but so far the U.K. has not responded. It pledged to send 14 Challenger 2 tanks.
It will be a major issue right now to determine how many total tanks Ukraine could receive from the U.S. and Germany. Kyiv has repeatedly said that it needs hundreds more tanks to fight Russia, especially ahead of the expected spring offensives.
Zelenskyy stated Tuesday that a decision is required on tanks as Russia is currently preparing “for a new wave of aggression – with the forces it can mobilize.”
Biden spoke to his German, French and British counterparts before the tank decision
According to the White House, President Joe Biden had spoken with counterparts from France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom before he made his announcement. Washington was ready to provide Ukraine with M1A1 Abrams tanks.
Following the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s announcement, the U.S. tanks were added to the military aid package. decision to provide Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks.
Germany declared that it was to “quickly assemble two tank battalions with Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine.” The country will supply 14 Leopard A6 tanks to what it calls a “first step.”
— Amanda Macias
Joe Biden talks about the most recent security assistance to Ukraine
The United States will send Abrams tanks into Ukraine in advance of the Russian offensive
The Biden administration said it will equip Ukraine With the M1A1 Abrams tank and the powerful M1A1 Abrams tank. This is a significant reversal of the West’s efforts to arm Kyiv, as it prepares for a new Russian offensive.
The 31 M1A1 Abrams Tanks, which make up one Ukrainian tank battalion of tanks, will add to the $26 billion U.S. has pledged to Kyiv since Russia invaded almost a year earlier.
The U.S. intends to buy the M1s with funds from the approved congressional Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
It will “take some time” A senior official in the Biden administration stated Wednesday that the tanks would be delivered to Ukraine. “We are talking months as opposed to weeks,” The official spoke under anonymity.
Please read the full story here.
— Amanda Macias
After the onslaught, Ukraine forces withdraw from Donbas.
Officials say that Ukrainian forces conducted an organized retreat from a Donbas town. This was a rare but modest victory for Russia following a series of setbacks almost 11 months ago.
The Ukrainian army was forced to withdraw from Soledar, a salt mine town. “preserve the lives of personnel,” Serhii Cherevatyi is a spokesperson for Ukraine’s forces in the East, according to The Associated Press.
He stated that soldiers returned to the previously prepared defensive positions. Russia claimed that it had captured Soledar two weeks ago, but Ukraine denies this.
Moscow has described the battle for Bakhmut, a town located near Donetsk, as key to capturing the entire Donbas region of Ukraine. This is where Russia-backed separatists fought Ukrainian troops for nearly nine years and occupied some territory before Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Russian President Vladimir Putin As justification for the invasion, Putin cited Donetsk’s safety and that of neighboring Luhansk. Putin illegally annexed two Ukrainian provinces, along with two other ones, in September.
While the Russian forces are now closer to Bakhmut with the withdrawal of the Ukrainian troops from Soledar, military analysts believe that the capture of the town is more symbolic than strategic. For months, the fighting in eastern Ukraine has been largely at a standstill.
— Associated Press
Russia is furious at the Western tanks being given to Ukraine
Russia expressed fury at the possibility of Western tanks being sent into Ukraine and called it “inhumane.” “extremely dangerous” Previous “red lines” These days, they are a distant memory.
Germany announced It announced Wednesday that it was ready for Ukraine to send 14 Leopard 2 battle tank to the country, and that other countries could send their own German-made tanks from Germany to Kyiv. Also, the U.S. is expected to announce soon its intention to send Abrams tank to Ukraine.
Berlin, Russia Embassy called German government to inform them of the decision “extremely dangerous” And he said it “takes the conflict to a new level of confrontation” While the foreign ministry warned that “red lines” were a “thing of the past” It slammed the West’s waging of a war as it did. “hybrid war” Russia.
Ukraine’s use of modern Western tanks is likely to give momentum to its efforts in pushing Russian forces out of occupied regions of the country, especially the eastern Donbas. However, Russia views the gift of tanks to be further evidence that it is fighting what it regards as a proxy war.
— Holly Ellyatt
Norway police release ex-Wagner commander from detention
On Wednesday, Norwegian police stated that they will not attempt to interrogate a former commander from Russia’s Wagner mercenary band. Instead, they ordered him to remain at a secret location because security concerns are paramount.
Andrei Medvedev fled Russia, crossing into Norway on Jan. 13. He said that he was afraid for his safety after witnessing the mistreatment and killing of Russian prisoners who were being sent to Ukraine to fight Wagner.
Police said that he was taken into custody by immigration officers and placed at Trandum, an immigration detention center outside Oslo. “disagreement” About the security measures that were taken.
Trandum is a place where asylum seekers who were turned down are held until they are deported. The police have denied that Medvedev may be deported to Russia.
“The police’s immigration unit releases Medvedev from … Trandum under an order to be at a specific place of residence,” According to police, the statement was sent electronically to Reuters.
The police had until Wednesday to decide if they wanted to request a court order to inter him.
Brynjulf Risnes, Medvedev’s Norwegian lawyer, was unavailable for comment immediately.
Risnes said Monday that Medvedev had been taken into custody due to “disagreement” He spoke out about the safety measures taken and stated that they were “zero chance” He would be deported to Russia.
— Reuters
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Germany for its tanks
Volodymy Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, thanked Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Germany for sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Other countries can also re-export German-made tanks.
“German main battle tanks, further broadening of defense support & training missions, green light for partners to supply similar weapons. Just heard about these important & timely decisions in a call with @OlafScholz,” Telegram said Zelensyy, adding that he was “sincerely grateful” Germany’s chancellor for the final decision.
Denys Shmyhal (Ukraine’s Prime Minister) also expressed gratitude to Berlin, stating that Ukraine was now expected. “to involve a wide range of partners in the tank coalition in order to obtain as many tanks as possible in the shortest possible time.”
Germany released a statement about the phone conversation between President Zelenskyy (Chancellor Scholz) earlier today. The statement stated that both leaders had been in contact. “exchanged views on the political, military and humanitarian situation in Ukraine.”
“The Chancellor reiterated unwavering solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russian Federation’s aggression and announced that Germany will continue to increase military support to Ukraine in close coordination with European and international partners,” This is the statement.
— Holly Ellyatt
Ukrainian official confirms Soledar retreat
Officials confirmed that the Ukrainian forces had withdrawn from Soledar, Donetsk, but stated that they did so in order to save personnel.
Serhii Cherevatyi spoke to NBC News and stated that the Eastern Group of Ukrainian Armed Forces had announced the withdrawal. “in order to preserve the lives of the personnel, the Defense Forces moved away from Soledar and are now staying on previously prepared defense lines.”
Cherevatyi claimed that Soledar’s defenders, where there has been intense fighting for weeks, had performed an excellent job. “real feat” Keeping their position in the town and inflicting “huge losses” Russia, since they were fighting Russian troops that were five times larger.
— Holly Ellyatt
According to PM, the Netherlands is also ready to supply battle tanks for Ukraine.
The Netherlands will supply tanks to Ukraine should it be necessary, Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister, stated Wednesday.
“If a contribution from the Netherlands helps, we are prepared to do so,” Rutte said this to RTL in the Netherlands.
Rutte suggested that the Netherlands might consider buying tanks currently leased from Germany and supplying them to Ukraine.
— Reuters
Allies welcome Germany’s decision to destroy its tank
Germany’s decision not to sell a few of its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and allow other countries with similar weaponry to send their stocks to Kyiv was welcomed positively.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki hails the move as “a great step forward.” “big step.” Poland had already asked Germany Tuesday if it could send 14 German-made Leopards directly to Ukraine. This was before Berlin announced.
Christian Lindner, German Finance Minister said on Twitter that the battle tanks for Ukraine would be a strength to the country. “it is an important step that the US participates alongside the #Leopard.”
Katrin Göering-Eckardt was the vice president of Germany’s Bundestag and Greens member. She tweeted the following: “the Leopard’s freed” That and more “hopefully now it can quickly help Ukraine in its fight against the Russian attack and for the freedom of Ukraine and Europe.”
Also, the U.K. defense secretary stated that he was “delighted” Germany’s decision.
Although there has not been an official response from Ukraine’s President yet, Kyiv will be happy with Germany’s decision. It opens the door for other allies to send tanks made in Germany to Ukraine.
Andriy Yaermak, Head of the Office of President of Ukraine, just tweeted a leopard emoticon.
— Holly Ellyatt
Germany will send 14 Leopard 2 battle tank to Ukraine
Germany has announced that it is ready to send 14 of its own tanks to Ukraine To allow others to do the same, in a U-turn from its prior position.
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Wednesday that Germany will supply Ukraine with 14 Leopard 2 tank tanks from its Bundeswehr stocks.
Here’s the German government statement, translated by NBC News
On Wednesday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz made it clear in the cabinet that Germany will continue its military support of Ukraine. The federal government decided to supply the Ukrainian armed forces Leopard 2 main battle tank. This decision was reached after intensive consultations with Germany’s European and international closest partners.
“This decision follows our well-known line of supporting Ukraine to the best of our ability. We are acting in a closely coordinated manner internationally,” Berlin, the Chancellor.
Two tank battalions will be assembled quickly with Leopard 2 tanks in order to support Ukraine. Germany will first provide 14 Leopard 2 A6 tank units from its Bundeswehr stocks to a company. The Leopard-2 tanks will be also handed over by European partners. The German partners will also hand over Leopard-2 tanks to the Ukrainian unit. This package will not only include training but also logistics, ammunition, system maintenance, and other support.
Germany will issue appropriate transfer permits to partner nations that wish to rapidly deliver Leopard 2 tanks from their stock to Ukraine.
— Holly Ellyatt
As long as the tanks are under attack, Russia continues to shell Ukraine.
While international headlines focus on the issue tanks for Kyiv in international news, missile strikes continue to be conducted on the north and northeast of the country.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russian forces launched 4 missiles and 26 air strikes in the last 24 hours. More than 100 strikes were also made using multiple launch rocket systems. an update noted.
There was “multiple attacks” Russia in the Luhansk, Donetsk areas of eastern Ukraine, the latest noted
“The threat of Russian air and missile attacks remains high across Ukraine,” Update: Added that “despite numerous losses, Russia does not cease attempts to advance on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Novopavlivka axes. However, the enemy stays on the defensive on Kup’yans’k, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson axes.”
Other officials from the region reported shelling of Kherson city, and the rest in the southern region. Yaroslav Yaroslav Yarushevych is the head the Kherson regional military government. reporting on Telegram Yesterday’s shelling left one civilian dead, six injured, and the region was shelled 52 more times.
Oleh Synehubov, Head of the Regional Military Administration in Kharkiv (northern Ukraine), is said on Telegram Numerous settlements were damaged or destroyed by shelling overnight and Wednesday morning. Two people were also injured.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine said Wednesday The northern border regions of Sumy, Chernihiv and Sumy had been shelled on the previous day.
CNBC could not verify the information immediately.
— Holly Ellyatt
Russian official says that U.S. tanks in Ukraine would be considered a ‘blatant provocation’
Russian officials have stated that any American tank delivery to Ukraine would be viewed as a violation of Russian law. “another blatant provocation” By the West.
“If the United States decides to supply tanks, it will be impossible to justify such step using arguments about ‘defensive weapons’,” Telegram Wednesday, Anatoly Antonov, Russia’s Ambassador to the United States, said.
“This would be another blatant provocation against the Russian Federation. No one should have illusions about who is the real aggressor in the current conflict,” He claimed.
The U.S. will soon announce that it will send M1 Abrams tanks into Ukraine. Germany is expected to confirm Wednesday that it is ready for Leopard 2 tanks. This decision comes after months-long requests from Kyiv. Russia is expected to launch new offensives on Ukraine in spring.
Russian ambassador to the U.S. criticizes the West. “Washington is deliberately trying to inflict strategic defeat on us.” He claimed that American tanks will be “destroyed as all other samples of NATO military equipment.”
NATO allies supporting Ukraine in war have contributed billions of dollar worth of military and financial assistance to Ukraine. They fear that Russia could win in Ukraine and increase Russia’s apparent expansionist goals in former Soviet republics, such as Georgia and Moldova.
— Holly Ellyatt
British aid workers killed in Ukraine confirmed as missing
Two British aid workers were killed in Ukraine while trying to save civilians trapped in a conflict zone in eastern Ukraine.
Andrew Bagshaw (47), and Chris Parry (28), were reported missing Jan. 7. They were last seen going to Soledar, Donetsk. The town was under intense Russian attack and they were later captured.
Parry’s family released Tuesday a statement confirming their deaths. It stated that the men had been murdered. “whilst attempting a humanitarian evacuation from Soledar, eastern Ukraine.” Bagshaw’s relatives released a statement that said the couple’s car was struck by an artillery bomb while trying to rescue an old woman. Sky News also reported this. Both families lauded the men for their bravery and selflessness.
Concerns were raised about the men’s safety after the Wagner Group, a Russian military private company, announced that it had located the body and identified the bodies of one of its aid workers shortly after the pair disappeared.
— Holly Ellyatt
Zelenskyy claims that Russia is “preparing for a new wave in aggression.”
Russia is planning new offensives against Ukraine, as Russia has increased activity in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, President Volodymyr Zilenskyy stated Tuesday.
“Russia is preparing for a new wave of aggression – with the forces it can mobilize,” Zelenskyy warned in his evening address.
“Now the occupiers are already increasing the pressure around Bakhmut and Vuhledar and other directions. And they want to increase the pressure on a larger scale,” Zelenskyy added that Russia wants to “throw more of their people and equipment into combat operations.”
Bakhmut, Donetsk has seen intense fighting for several months. Russian forces want to seize the whole Donetsk region and the adjacent Luhansk. They also have a strategic goal of capturing the town. In recent weeks, Russian forces made several tactical advances in Donetsk including the capture and holding of Soledar.
— Holly Ellyatt
Ukraine demands a decision about tanks
After more indecision from Ukraine’s allies regarding the delivery of tanks to Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that allies need to decide on whether they will deliver modern battle tanks to Ukraine.
“There is a lot of talk about tanks. About the modern tanks that we need. And about how this deficit can be filled. A lot of efforts, words, promises,” Zelenskyy stated this in his Tuesday nightly address.
“But it is important to see the reality: it is not about five, or ten, or fifteen tanks. The need is greater. We are doing what is necessary every day to fill the deficit … However, discussions must be concluded with decisions. Decisions on real strengthening of our defense against terrorists,” Ukraine labels Russia the leader
“Allies have the required number of tanks. When the weight of decisions is necessary, we will be happy to thank you for each weighty decision,” He said.
Germany’s defense minister declared Tuesday morning that the country had not changed its position on the issue of sending German-made tankers to Ukraine. But, reports were circulating suggesting that Berlin may have made a U turn. The formal announcement is expected to be made Wednesday by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Reports in the U.S. suggested that Washington was ready to send M1 Abrams tanks.
It is unclear, however, if the tanks provided are sufficient. Ukraine has previously stated that it needs hundreds more tanks to resist Russia’s continued invasion. “not 10-20,” as one presidential advisor said earlier this week.
— Holly Ellyatt
Officials tell NBC News that the Biden administration is preparing to send Abrams tanks into Ukraine.
Three senior U.S. officials have been informed that the Biden administration is planning to send Abrams tanks into Ukraine. tell NBC News.
According to officials, Kyiv could be equipped with the weapon platform as soon as Wednesday.
The Ukrainians will be without the M1A1 tanks for several months because of the enormous logistics and training requirements.
Please read the full story from NBC News here.
— Amanda Macias
U.S. reiterates support for Finland, Sweden joining NATO
After Helsinki indicated that it was necessary to pause in trilateral talks between Turkey and Finland on the Nordic countries’ request for membership, the Biden administration reaffirmed its support for Sweden as well as Finland joining NATO at the earliest possible opportunity.
Ned Price, State Department spokesperson, was repeatedly asked by reporters whether Washington would support Finland’s possible accession. He declined to respond on what he called “a misunderstanding.” “hypothetical” It is not about a “live question right now.”
“This has always been a discussion about Finland and Sweden… (about) moving from an alliance of 28 to an alliance of 30. That’s what we want to see happen,” Price stated that Finland should join NATO separately. “is just a question that we’re not entertaining.”
After protests near the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm, at the weekend, where a copy was burned, Turkey’s President said that Sweden should not expect its support.
— Reuters
The replacement of NATO allies’ weapons sent to Ukraine could result in $21.7 billion in U.S. defence sales
According to a Foundation for Defense of Democracies report, replacing weapons and other equipment sent by NATO countries to Ukraine could result in nearly $22 billion in U.S. defense industry sales.
FDD Center on Military and Political Power It was also stated that the Pentagon could obtain weapons at a lower cost if the NATO allies restore their arsenals.
“It would also enhance the quality of the weapons U.S. warfighters wield and strengthen U.S. defense industrial base capacity,” The authors of the report also added.
— Amanda Macias
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