Jan 25 (Reuters) – Germany will ship Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and approve their re-export from companion nations, German authorities spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit mentioned on Wednesday. Russia has solid deliveries of heavy weapons to Ukraine as proof that the West is escalating the battle.
Here is the preliminary worldwide response:
RUSSIA
The Russian embassy in Germany mentioned that Berlin’s determination meant it was abandoning its “historical responsibility to Russia” arising from Nazi crimes in World War Two. In a press release, the embassy mentioned that the choice would escalate the battle to a brand new degree.
Russia’s international ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova mentioned the German determination confirmed what she mentioned was a “pre-planned war” in opposition to Moscow.
UKRAINE
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy mentioned he was “sincerely grateful” to Germany and Chancellor Olaf Scholz for Berlin’s “important and timely” determination to supply Kyiv with battle tanks.
Zelenskiy made the remark in a press release on the Telegram messaging app after talking by telephone with the German chancellor.
“Sincerely grateful to the Chancellor and all our friends in Germany,” he wrote.
UNITED STATES
Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov mentioned he spoke along with his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin on Wednesday, promising “more good news to be announced soon”.
Reznikov mentioned they mentioned “further strengthening of (Ukraine’s army), including tank supplies and maintenance of the new armaments”.
U.S. President Joe Biden will ship remarks on continued U.S. help to Ukraine at midday (1700 GMT), the White House mentioned on Wednesday.
The Kremlin mentioned that Abrams battle tanks provided to Ukraine by the United States would “burn”, dismissing the proposed shipments as an costly folly.
NATO
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Germany’s determination, saying in an interview media outlet WELT they’d assist Ukraine win in opposition to Russia.
“At a critical moment in Russia’s war, these tanks can help Ukraine defend itself, win and stand as an independent nation,” he mentioned.
BRITAIN
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak mentioned on Wednesday that Germany had made the “right decision”.
“The right decision by NATO Allies and friends to send main battle tanks to Ukraine. Alongside Challenger 2s, they will strengthen Ukraine’s defensive firepower,” Sunak mentioned on Twitter. “Together, we are accelerating our efforts to ensure Ukraine wins this war and secures a lasting peace.”
FRANCE
The French presidency welcomed Berlin’s determination to ship tanks to Ukraine and permit different states to do the identical.
“France welcomes the German decision, which extends and amplifies the support we have provided with the delivery of the AMX10 RC,” the Elysee mentioned in a press release, referring to a France-made lighter fight automobile which Paris can be aiming to ship to Ukraine.
POLAND
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki thanked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday for his determination.
“Thank you @Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz,” he wrote on Twitter. “The decision to send Leopards to Ukraine is a big step towards stopping Russia.”
FINLAND
Finnish Defence Minister Mikko Savola mentioned on Wednesday his nation will take part within the group of nations sending tanks to Ukraine, though the contribution could be restricted in scope.
“The international cooperation to send Leopards to Ukraine is advancing now and Finland will participate in that,” Savola instructed reporters.
NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands is ready to ship battle tanks to Ukraine if wanted, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte mentioned.
“If a contribution from the Netherlands helps, we are prepared to do so,” Rutte instructed Dutch broadcaster RTL.
SPAIN
Spain is open to offering Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, Defence Minister Margarita Robles mentioned.
Compiled by Nick Macfie; Editing by Kevin Liffey
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Factbox: Russia decries German tanks determination, Ukraine ‘sincerely grateful’
Factbox: Russia decries German tanks determination, Ukraine ‘sincerely grateful’
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Factbox: Russia decries German tanks determination, Ukraine ‘sincerely grateful’