The Ukrainian president told Sky News he was “very happy” and “grateful” that Germany had decided to supply 14 Leopard 2 tanks – but warned that the quantity and delivery time of the vehicles was “critical”.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kay Burley to mark his 45th birthday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked allies around the world for their support since Russia invaded his country.
“I would like to thank Germany, the UK and the US for taking this decision,” he told Sky News.
Russia sends warning to US over tanks – Ukraine latest
Mr. Zielinski heard during his interview with Kay Burley that Germany was promising tanks.
He added: “Overall I am very grateful to the world for supporting Ukraine. But frankly, the number of tanks and the delivery time to Ukraine is very important.”
Mr. Zielinski learned that Germany had ended weeks of indecision. Decided to send leopards to Ukraine. During an interview with Sky News.
German Chancellor Olaf Schulz said Berlin would send Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv and give the Allies the option to re-export them, despite Russian threats.
After the announcement, the Kremlin said: “These tanks will burn like all the other tanks.”
Germany’s decision means that other countries, such as Poland and Spain, which have stockpiles of standard NATO tanks, can now send them to Kyiv.
The Russian embassy in Berlin condemned the move, calling it an “extremely dangerous decision” and “exacerbating” the conflict.
Mr Schulz said Germany was “working in close cooperation” with its allies.
It is intended to provide Ukraine with two battalions – 88 tanks, along with other allies.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player.
Germany to supply battle tanks to Ukraine
Read more:
Germany to send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine
What is Cheetah 2 Battle Tank?
Biden will speak on the crisis in Ukraine.
The long-awaited decision comes after U.S. officials said a preliminary deal had been reached for the U.S. to send M1 Abrams tanks to Kyiv to help push back Russian forces and retake Russian-held territory. has been found
US President Joe Biden is scheduled to give a speech this afternoon on continuing US support for Ukraine.
The White House did not specify what they would say, but it would follow Germany’s announcement and days of political deadlock — and open the door for more nations to send tanks to Ukraine.
U.S. Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said discussions about what Ukraine needs are ongoing but did not confirm whether the U.S. would send tanks.
Kremlin: Tanks will burn.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the German and American intentions as “a rather disastrous plan.”
“I’m sure many experts understand the absurdity of that idea,” he said Wednesday.
“Just because of the technical aspects, it is a disastrous project.
“Fundamentally, this is a completely clear overestimation of potential. [the tanks] Will increase the armed forces of Ukraine. This is another misconception, but a much deeper one.
“These tanks will burn like all the other tanks… except they cost a lot more, and it will fall on the shoulders of European taxpayers.”
Watch the full interview with Mr Zelenskyy on Kay Burley tomorrow at 7am
for more News Click here