“In the near future”
NATO chief relies on rapid delivery of heavy weapons
01/15/2023 8:27 p.m
The discussion about the delivery of Western main battle tanks to Ukraine is gaining momentum. After Great Britain makes 14 Challenger tanks available, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg expects further announcements. Military support is the fastest way to peace, he believes.
Ahead of new talks in Ramstein on Western military aid to Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke out in favor of delivering more heavy weapons to Ukraine. “The recent commitments for heavy war equipment are important – and I expect more in the near future,” Stoltenberg told the “Handelsblatt”.
Great Britain announced on Saturday that it would make 14 Challenger 2 main battle tanks available to Ukraine. When asked whether Germany also needs to move now, Stoltenberg said: “We are in a crucial phase of the war. We are experiencing heavy fighting. It is therefore important that we equip Ukraine with the weapons it needs to be able to win – and survive as an independent nation.” Military support for Ukraine is the fastest way to peace.
Kyiv has been asking for more heavy weapons for months. In addition to other weapons and air defense systems, Germany has so far promised Ukraine the less powerful Marder infantry fighting vehicle. Poland and Finland recently signaled their willingness to hand over Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
Pressure on Berlin is growing
This increases the pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the traffic light government. The NATO Secretary General warned against underestimating Russia in the Ukraine war. “What they lack in morale and training, the Russians are trying to make up for in sheer numbers. And they’ve demonstrated that they’re willing to accept heavy casualties to achieve their goals.”
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had invited the members of the so-called Ukraine Contact Group to a meeting at the US Ramstein Air Force Base in Rhineland-Palatinate. The third meeting of this kind will take place next Friday.