“Cautious Optimism”
Zelenskyj: Partners understand the need for weapons better
4/21/2022 8:44 am
The situation in eastern and southern Ukraine remains tense, as President Zelenskyy reports. At least he notes that partner countries are apparently better able to understand the demands for heavy weapons. Attempts are being made on all channels to ensure the supply.
After days of urgent pleas for more and heavy weapons, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sees more understanding among Ukraine’s partner countries. He can say with “cautious optimism” that Kiev’s partners “have become more aware of our needs,” Zelensky said in his nightly report video message at night. They now understand what weapons Ukraine needs and that they need them not in a few weeks, but now – as Russia tries to step up its attacks.
The government and authorities are doing everything they can around the clock and through official and unofficial channels to ensure the supply of weapons to the army, Zelenskyy said. The situation in the east and south of the country remains “as tense as possible”. Germany, especially Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had been accused of hesitation in delivering heavy weapons from Ukraine and from allies in Eastern Europe for days. On Tuesday evening, Scholz then presented the further strategy on the subject.
Accordingly, the federal government finances direct arms deliveries from industry to Ukraine. In addition, the delivery of weapons of Soviet design from Eastern European NATO countries to the Ukraine is to be made possible via a ring exchange. Individual countries should receive replacements from Germany for this. Other allies who send more modern equipment should be supported with ammunition and training. For example, the delivery of heavy artillery from the Netherlands or the USA to Ukraine should be supported.