Rammstein: Disappointment in Berlin and US Promises

The eighth meeting of Ukraine’s allied countries ended at the American Ramstein airbase in Germany.

In German Ramstein on Friday, January 20, the eighth meeting of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine ended. The meeting participants, and these are the heads of the defense departments of more than 50 countries, did not agree on the supply of Leopard main tanks to Kyiv. It is expected that a final decision in this regard may be taken later.

Why don’t we agree?

Now, the Allies are committed to helping Ukraine succeed on the battlefield today, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at a press conference after the meeting.

He confirmed the words of his German colleague Boris Pistorius that the parties do not have a “unanimous opinion” about tanks and said that Germany is not ready to provide Leopard to Ukraine. Note that the United States also refused to supply Abrams because of the “high price of their service.”

Austin added that many EU countries now agree to transfer their German tanks, so negotiations will continue. In particular, the West has a window of opportunity until springto pass the tanks before The APU will launch a counter-offensive.

“We understand what period of time we are talking about: from now until spring, when there will be a favorable time for a counter-offensive. When it comes to tanks, yes, now Poland offers Ukraine to supply tanks At the moment, I can not give any other additional announcement “, – he said.

Berlin version

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called the impression of “a close coalition in the way that Germany stands in the way” false.

“There are strong arguments in favor of the delivery, there are strong arguments against it,” Pistorius said, adding that he could not yet say what the decision would be and when it would be made.

At the same time, he ordered the Ministry will check his Leopard 2 stocks for possible delivery to Ukraine. The audit should determine the exact number of tanks that the German armed forces and manufacturers have. Pay attention to the number of tanks and their condition. All this will serve as preparation for the day “that may come,” Pistorius said.

He also did not believe that the delay in the supply of tanks could lead to the defeat of Ukraine.

“Not because we will make a decision soon. And we already support Ukraine in large volumes and we will continue our support until the end of the war,” he said.

What weapons will be transferred

Lloyd Austin said the United States is transferring an additional NASAMS air defense system and eight Avenger air defense systems to Ukraine. Also, the head of the Pentagon said that the new aid package will help meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in armored vehicles and combat vehicles. US assistance includes: 59 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles; 90 Stryker armored personnel carriers; 53 armored vehicles with enhanced mine protection MRAP; 350 HMMWV High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles.

Other types of weapons that Ukraine should receive from the allies following the results of the eighth meeting in the Ramstein format:

• air defense from France, Germany and the UK, in particular, the Patriot air defense system battery from Germany;

• missiles for Patriot, launchers and training from the Netherlands;

• Canada’s purchase of the NASAMS air defense system and shells for it;

• UK Challenger 2 tanks;

• BMP CV90 and Archer self-propelled guns from Sweden;

• 19 howitzers from Denmark;

• more helicopters, Stinger MANPADS and other equipment from Latvia;

• a large aid package from Estonia which included 155mm howitzer shells and more.

The German Defense Minister also announced a new €1 billion military aid package for Ukraine. In addition to the Patriot air defense system, it will include seven more Gepard self-propelled guns and another Iris-T SLM air defense system with additional guided missiles.

Is victory likely in 2023?

The head of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, at a meeting in Ramstein expressed the opinion that Ukraine is unlikely to expel the invaders from all its territories as a result of military victory in 2023: “It doesn’t mean it can’t happen, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen, but it will be very, very difficult.”

According to the general, this year the stabilization of the front is possible, which depends on the provision of military assistance to the Ukrainian defenders and their training. Milli also believes that the defenders of Ukraine in 2023 can conduct a “significant” tactical offensive operation and liberate more of their territory.

“But I still believe that in the end this war, like many wars before it, will end at the negotiating table,” he added.

Milli also said that the losses of the Russian Armed Forces since the beginning of the invasion have reached significantly more than one hundred thousand, as well as the Kremlin with the help of the mobilization so far. was able to recruit 200-250 thousand to cover the losses.

The “Fight” for the tanks will continue

In an evening speech, President Volodymyr Zelensky summarized the results of the meeting in Germany and recalled that the subject in Ramstein is not always publicly named. He said today’s meeting will strengthen Ukraine’s stability, and allies will support Kyiv as much as necessary for its success.

“Of course had to fight for the supply of modern tanksbut every day we strengthen the evidence that there is no alternative to the fact that a decision on tanks must be made,” said the president.

He thanked the allies for the promised artillery, shells, hundreds of combat vehicles, missiles for rocket systems.

“The only thing that must be emphasized in all this is the time, the time of delivery. Every agreement must be implemented very quickly – for our defense. Next week, which we are already preparing, must also bring its defensive fruits,” he added.

Note that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that Consultations on the supply of Germany’s Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine will continue. He also noted that he supports the transfer of new weapons packages to Kyiv.

“The fact that hundreds of new infantry fighting vehicles, armored vehicles and battle tanks are now being supplied to Ukraine will be of great importance for the country … This support will not only allow Ukrainians to defend themselves against new Russian offensive, but also allow them initiate their own offensive actions to regain territoryStoltenberg said.

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