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Justin Trudeau, Canada’s Prime Minister, has confirmed Canada will also supply Ukraine with tanks after Joe Biden’s announcement yesterday in another huge boost for Volodymyr Zelensky. Meanwhile the Challenger 2 tanks the UK is supplying to Ukraine are expected to arrive in the war-torn country at the end of March, defence minister Alex Chalk has announced.
The Challenger 2 tanks the UK is supplying to Ukraine are expected to arrive in the war-torn country at the end of March, defence minister Alex Chalk has announced. Meanwhile Ukrainian armed forces chief Valery Zaluzhnyi has announced that Russian forces used “Kinzhal” hypersonic missiles as part of the bombardment that struck targets across Ukraine this morning.
In a separate development, Ukrainian armed forces chief Valery Zaluzhnyi has announced that Russian forces used “Kinzhal” hypersonic missiles as part of the bombardment that struck targets across Ukraine this morning.
In a statement, Mr Zaluzhnyi said 47 winged missiles were destroyed by the Ukrainian military, 20 of them in the area of the capital Kyiv.
Russian missile attacks killed at least 11 people, said Oleksandr Khorunzhyi, spokesman for Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, and injured 11 more.
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As we approach the grim milestone of the one-year anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, the West has renewed efforts to help with the fight.
The UK, Germany, and the US have now all pledged to send battle tanks to help Kyiv’s forces win back territory taken by the Russians.
After days of pressure from Ukraine and Western officials, Wednesday, January 25, saw President Joe Biden announce that Washington will be sending 31 Abrams tanks.
That same day, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Berlin would supply Kyiv with 14 Leopard 2 units. Prior to this, the UK announced it would be sending 14 Challenger 2 main battle tanks.
Since the creation of the first prototype tank in England in 1915, defence has been at the forefront of technological advancement. “Little Willie”, as it was known, could travel at a speed of 3.5mph. Today, the world’s fastest tank record stands at more than 50mph. While keeping soldiers safe from missiles, bullets, and shrapnel, tanks can carry machine guns, missiles, and in some cases, rockets.
The tanks that are due to be sent to Ukraine are some of the best in the world. However, those at the Kremlin turned their nose up with the Russian Federation’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov saying they would all “burn like the rest”. How do these tanks rank against others from around the world?
Recent tank pledges to Ukraine from NATO forces will cause an “escalation of tensions” with Russia, a former UK Army chief has said.
After top Ukrainian officials hailed Wednesday’s weapons pledges as the beginning of the “real punching fist of democracy”, General Lord Richard Dannatt, speaking to the i, suggested that while this support would likely increase hostilities with Russia, it nonetheless provided “no justification” for Russia to target NATO territories.
His comments reflect the geopolitical wordplay now being employed across the Western major powers, epitomised by US President Joe Biden in his White House address yesterday, that while these new tranches of support amount to a move away from simply defensive weaponry, “it is not an offensive threat to Russia”.
Vladimir Putin could end up fighting a full-on Third World War with the West if the UK fails to take action in Ukraine, according to a panellist on BBC’s Question Time on Thursday evening.
The BBC’s flagship political debate programme came to Scunthorpe, with host Fiona Bruce joined by Tory MP Jake Berry, Labour Mayor for West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, Daily Mirror editor Alison Phillips and political satirist Konstantin Kisin.
Mr Berry, the MP for Rossendale and Darwen, said it was imperative for the UK to do whatever it could, adding that if the country had “stood more firm” against Moscow in Crimea, the war may not have happened.
He said: “I just sort of look back and think, if we’d have stood this firm against Putin when he rolled into Crimea, seven years ago, would we be having this conflict now?
“I suspect we wouldn’t.
“He’s a nasty bully who’s pursuing an illegal war on the soils of Europe, we cannot allow that to happen and we have to stand firm with the people of Ukraine.
“We should take pride as British people in having been one of the leading supporters of our allies in Ukraine from the start of this conflict.”
It is thought that France may approve fighter jets to be sent to help Ukrainian forces.
Following his demand for tanks, which was promptly fulfilled by the United Kingdom and the United States and eventually Germany, President Zelensky has now demanded fighter jets.
The comments from President Zelensky followed reports that The Netherlands was considering supplying Kyiv with F-16 jets.
US President Joe Biden has confirmed plans to supply Ukraine with 31 Abrams tanks in what would be a watershed moment in Ukraine‘s war with Russia.
Meanwhile Rishi Sunak has welcomed Germany’s decision to agree to shipments of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
Mr Biden unveiled his news in an announcement timed for 7pm Ukraine time (5pm GMT), with the deal estimated to be worth $400million (£323million).
The Prime Minister’s remarks came after Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on Wednesday that Berlin will provide the Ukrainian armed forces with the main battle tank.
The u-turn came following mounting pressure on Chancellor Scholz both domestically and from Germany’s closest European and international partners.
The Chancellor said: This decision follows our well-known line of supporting Ukraine to the best of our ability. We are acting in a closely coordinated manner internationally.”
It has emerged that the Russian President has taken his image-obsession further by wearing heeled shoes to appear taller.
Putin visited students in Moscow on Wednesday where he ensured that he looked taller than he is in reality, with shoes fitted with built in heels or lifts.
The President is estimated to be 5ft 7in (170cm) and may feel self-conscious as on average men in Russia are 5ft 10in (178cm).
Putin was visiting Vorobyovy Gory for Russian Students Day as part of a publicity stunt.
Last year the Russian was mocked by G7 leaders over a picture of him riding a horse shirtless.
Vladimir Putin’s notorious Russian mercenary army, the Wagner Group, has “terror, torture, murder, rape and all other forms of brutality at the heart of its activities” and must be ruled an illegal organisation by the UK Government, ministers have been told.
The Government has faced fresh demands in Parliament to proscribe the “wretched” organisation, which would make it a criminal offence to belong to, support or assist the organisation.
The calls came as the Treasury found itself at the centre of controversy over reports it helped the organisation’s boss Yevgeny Prigozhin circumvent UK sanctions to take a British journalist to court.
Ukraine has celebrated the contribution to its war effort of cats both big and small, with the nation’s defence ministry sharing an adorable picture of three moggies – the day after Germany confirmed it would supply Kyiv with a company of Leopard 2 tanks.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed his decision to donate 14 armoured vehicles on the same day US President Joe Biden announced the United States would be supplying 31 Abrams battle tanks. Britain has also confirmed it will be providing 14 Challenger 2 tanks.
Continuing the feline theme, the ministry tweeted a picture of the three cats – one tabby, one ginger and one tortoiseshell – commenting: “United Colors of #UAarmy.”
The three are shown sitting on a huge pile of camouflage gear, with Twitter users replying to share their appreciation, with one describing them as “fluffy warriors”.
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Lady Penn added: “We are committed to introducing targeted anti-Slapp legislation to stop Russian oligarchs corrupting our legal system.
“The reforms will include a statutory definition of Slapps, an early dismissal mechanism and costs protection for Slapps cases.”
She added: “When it comes to the sanctions and licensing regimes, where there are derogations set out in the sanctions regime and the conditions of those derogations have been met, licences may be authorised.
“There is a specific derogation for legal expenses which is judged on the cost of those expenses, not the merits of any legal case.”
Lady Penn added: “Nonetheless, we need to take action in these cases, and the Government are committed to doing so.”
A Russian mercenary group which has “terror, torture, murder, rape and all other forms of brutality at the heart of its activities” should be banned, ministers have been told.
The Government has faced fresh demands in Parliament to proscribe the “wretched” Wagner Group, which would make it a criminal offence to belong to, support or assist the organisation.
The calls came as the Treasury found itself at the centre of controversy over reports it helped the organisation’s boss Yevgeny Prigozhin circumvent UK sanctions to take a British journalist to court.
Questioned about the case in the Lords, Treasury minister Baroness Penn said: “The Government condemn the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation, commonly known as Slapps.
“The Prigozhin case can be characterised as a Slapp, which is an abuse of the UK legal system.”
Tory peer Lord Cormack said that “proscription is the only answer”.
He said: “Lord Stirrup has given a graphic brief description of the evil that is being perpetrated. We should not be dilly-dallying. We should get on with it and proscribe the wretched organisation.”
Justin Trudeau, Canada’s Prime Minister, has confirmed Canada will also supply Ukraine with tanks after Joe Biden’s announcement yesterday.
Speaking at the White House, the US President has pledged to donate 31 Abrams tanks – and Mr Trudeau has now apparently said he will follow suit.
Ukrainian Government official Oleksii Reznikov tweeted: “Canada will send four of its German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine!”
Ukraine‘s Defence Ministry’s latest tweet.
United Colors of #UAarmy pic.twitter.com/Pg1nG7k7Gb
Rishi Sunak has been warned Britain’s armed force must be “fully equipped for a possible war” in the face of escalating tensions with Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
Lord West of Spithead, who as former First Sea Lord headed up the Royal Navy from 2002 to 2006, said the Government was “sleep-walking into disaster” unless defence spending is urgently increased.
Lord West was among a number of ex-top brass at Westminster to argue the pressing need for a hike in defence spending against the backdrop of cutbacks and the war in Ukraine.
The calls for additional cash were made as the House of Lords debated the resilience of the UK’s armed forces.
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Britain has been more “free handed” in revealing intelligence about the Ukraine war to “neutralise the poison of lies and misinformation” by the Kremlin, a defence minister has said.
Given the large-scale military support being provided by the UK to the Kyiv government, Baroness Goldie also moved to reassure Parliament that military stockpiles would never go below the “safe line” needed for the nation’s own security.
The latest assistance being sent includes 14 Challenger 2 tanks, additional artillery and hundreds more missiles.
The Tory frontbencher made her comments in response to a Lords debate on the resilience of Britain’s armed forces against the backdrop of defence cutbacks and the continuing conflict in Ukraine following last year’s invasion by Russian forces.
Lady Goldie told peers: “On dealing with propaganda and misinformation, we have used our own intelligence, in conjunction with the United States and the armed forces of Ukraine and Ukrainian intelligence sources, to start being a little more free handed about disclosing intelligence.
“We think that is the best way to neutralise the poison of lies and misinformation, and it has proved to be very effective.”
On when Challenger 2 tanks would arrive in Ukraine, he added: “The intention is that it will be at the end of March, and between now and then a really significant programme of training, not just for the tank crews who are to operate this vehicle, but also for those who will be charged with maintaining it.”
The UK must “formally recognise” the Soviet famine known in Ukraine as the Holodomor as an attempted genocide, ministers have been told.
As she contributed to the debate on Holocaust Memorial Day, Conservative former minister Theresa Villiers told MPs: “Before turning to the appalling events of the Holocaust, I want to speak about another European genocide which took place in Europe in the 20th century, and that is the Holodomor.
“Ninety years ago during the winter of 1932 to 1933, confiscation of crops led to the death of millions in the Soviet Union, mainly Ukrainian peasant farmers.
“It is hard to say with certainty how many Ukrainians died but it was probably at least seven million. The almost universal view of historians was that the famine was man-made, inflicted as a deliberate policy by Stalin to force Ukrainian farmers into collectivism.
Rishi Sunak has said “everything is going according to plan” over the supply of tanks to Ukraine.
Speaking at Chequers, the Prime Minister said: “When it comes to the question of tanks, everyone should feel very proud of the leadership role that we here in the UK have played – one of the early nations to provide tanks to Ukraine.
“As ever in this conflict we have tried to make sure we can provide as much support to Ukraine as possible, we have demonstrated that again by providing our Challenger tanks before others.
“We are now in dialogue with the Ukrainians about how best to provide those tanks and make sure their troops get the training they need on them as well.
“Those conversations are happening, everything is going according to plan.”
The news will be confirmed after tomorrow’s Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels.
Speaking last week, Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder (PS) said: “The amount of current aid, not counting anti-tank and anti-aircraft equipment, already amounts to 90 million euros.”
Without revealing the content of the discussions, she said Belgium was ready to double the figure with “substantial aid” including “anti-aircraft and anti-tank equipment and more ammunition”.
However, unlike Britain, Germany and US, Belgium is not expected to supply tanks to Ukraine
Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff and Head of Presidential Office of President of Ukraine, has welcomed leading African ambassadors to the International Coordination Group for Prevention of Hunger (ICGPH) in Kyiv.
The ICGPH has been established to directly influence the provision of food to millions of starving people whilst building international support for the Ukrainian agricultural industry.
The Group, an initiative from President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Grain from Ukraine humanitarian programme, aims to protect cultivated areas, maintain production, and strengthen food supply chains. As part of its mandate, the Group will also work with the Ukrainian government to source international customers who can guarantee the purchase of the country’s agricultural products.
In his opening remarks, Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff and Head of Presidential Office of President of Ukraine, said: “We welcome our African leaders and allies to the ICGPH and their support to President Zelenskky’s “Grain from Ukraine” programme.
“In times of heightened food insecurity and global inflation, Ukraine stands strong and willing to support vulnerable nations on the brink of starvation across the African continent.”
Lockheed Martin claimed that it stands ready to meet the demand for its F-16 aircraft as Ukraine pushes for the need for fighter jets, a news report has claimed.
The Financial Times reported that the US-German decision to send tanks to Ukraine has reignited discussions, which European defence officials cautioned were at an early stage.
Frank St John, chief operating officer of Lockheed Martin, the largest US defence contractor, told the FT that there was “a lot of conversation about third party transfer of F-16s” – whereby countries would re-export their US jets to Ukraine to defend its airspace.
Lockheed is not directly involved in talks regarding the potential delivery of military aircraft to Kyiv.
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Joe Biden’s decision to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine is a stunning U-turn on the President’s previous pronouncements.
The President has been reluctant to send in tanks and other high-grade military equipment, lest it drags America and its allies into direct conflict with Russia.
Back in March last year, Biden said in a speech: “The idea that we’re going to send in offensive equipment, and have planes and tanks and trains going in with American pilots and American crews – just understand.
“Don’t kid yourself. No matter what you all say, that’s called World War III. Okay? Let’s get it straight here guys.”
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Ciaran McGrath taking over from Tim McNulty
President Zelensky’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, has welcomed the former President of Malawi, Dr Joyce Banda and other high-level African ambassadors to the International Coordination Group for Prevention of Hunger (ICGPH) in Kyiv. In the ICGPH meeting, Dr Joyce Banda said that she was proud to join the Grain from Ukraine initiative. “We really need to support and help those countries affected by the Russian-Ukrainian war,” she said, noting that with grain shortages due to Russian aggression, many families find it difficult to buy the necessary food.
Air raid sirens have sounded across Ukraine as the Kremlin continues a campaign of targetting civil infrastructure looking to knock out electricity during a freezing winter. Ukrainian authorities have reported that air defence systems have already been active shooting down incoming Russian rockets. In Mykolaiv, governor Vitaly Kim reported on the Telegram messaging app that two missiles had been spotted. He wrote: “Missiles are flying inside the territory of Ukraine. At least two northwest through Mykolaiv region. The Ukrainian military is reported to have shot down some of the incoming missiles.
The US Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink has spoken out condemning Russia‘s latest missile bombardment of Ukraine.
Another cruel attack, same strategic failure. Waves of Russian drones and missiles canu2019t stop Ukraineu2019s heroic defenders, its brave people or our determined, unified support.
Ukrainian troops are due to undertake sharpshooting, command control, and medical training in Norway for the first time, according to Norwegian media. The first Ukrainian soldiers, around 100 people are to spend five to six weeks in Norway, according to Bjørn Arild Gram of the Norwegian Minister of Defence. “The novelty lies in the fact that the specialised training that we offer the Ukrainian soldiers consists not only of the material part. There will also be medical, sharpshooting, and command control training. This is a big contribution that will not go unnoticed,” Mr Gram said.
A Russian strike on Kyiv has killed one person and injured two others according to the city’s mayor. The city’s Military Administration has reported missile debris fell on Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district and killed a 55-year-old man.
The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces has reported that Russia had lost 123,860 troops since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
The report reads that Russia has also lost 3,175 tanks, 6,334 armored fighting vehicles, 4,986 vehicles and fuel tanks, 2,169 artillery systems, 452 multiple launch rocket systems, 220 air defense systems, 292 airplanes, 282 helicopters, 1,902 drones, and 18 boats.
Mayor of Kyiv Vitaliy Klychko has now confirmed an explosion in the city.
Russia has launched more than 15 cruise missiles in the direction of Kyiv according to Ukrainian authorities. Officials report that air defense systems shot down all missiles. Rail raid warnings remain in force with warning to residents to remain in cover. “However, the danger of airstrikes has not passed. Stay in shelters until the alarm is over,” Kyiv Oblast Military Administration reported
Good morning from London. I’m Tim McNulty, I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the war in Ukraine. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: tim.mcnulty@reachplc.com
Twitter: @mcn_ulty
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