DThe head of the defense committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP), is increasing pressure on Chancellor Olaf Schalz (SPD) in the debate over a possible major battle tank delivery to Ukraine. He told newspapers from the Funke media group that Germany should finally issue an export license to supply the Leopard 2. “The president needs to jump over his shadow at the drama unfolding in Ukraine.”
Background: Poland agreed on Wednesday to deliver 2 Lebard main battle tanks to Ukraine for a company with allies. According to a Polish military expert, this means 14 main battle tanks. Germany plays an important role in the debate because tanks were developed in Germany. As a rule, the transfer of weapons from German manufacture to third parties must be approved.
Poland’s ambassador in Berlin, Dariusz Pavlos, promised that Poland would support an even larger supply. “Poland will request the creation of large military units of military importance in the defense of Ukraine,” diplomat Funke told media group newspapers. “Such a formation with professional equipment could establish a serious blockade against Russian aggression against Ukraine.”
All Improvements in Live Ticker:
08:35 – Fighting continues in the eastern Ukrainian city of Soledor
Fighting for the small town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine continues, the Defense Ministry in Kyiv said. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maljar wrote in a Telegram message that Ukrainian soldiers were trying to defend themselves against intense Russian attacks. “The night was hot and the fighting continued.” The enemy threw all the main forces in the direction of Donetsk, his attack was still strong. Ukrainian soldiers tried to maintain the defenses. “This is the hardest phase of the war, but we will win. There is no doubt about that,” he said.
From a distance Ukrainian soldiers look at the smoke of the battle at Solader. (01/11/2023)
What: AP/Libkos
8:12 am – SPD foreign expert refrains from positioning Leopard in labor
SPD foreign minister Michael Roth avoids a clear position on the transfer of Leopard main battle tanks to Ukraine. Asked if he supports the federal government’s approval of the delivery proposed by Poland, he says on Deutschlandfunk: “I’m in favor of sitting down and making a decision now.” Criticism of President Olaf Scholes for stopping military aid is public pressure, he rejects: “I don’t see it as procrastination, I see it as a cautious approach.”
07:29 – Intended to prevent escalation of maneuvers with Belarus
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow, joint military exercises between Russia and Belarus are aimed at preventing the situation from escalating. A representative of the ministry said that potential adversaries must be deterred, and escalation and provocations must be prevented. The two countries have recently held several military exercises.
6:40 a.m. – Duma leader wants to confiscate property from war protesters
Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin proposes confiscating property and assets from Russians who discredit the country’s armed forces and oppose the war in Ukraine. The Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament says that earlier measures like fines are not enough in such cases. Volodin is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
01:06 – Poland: Ukraine needs more than 14 Leopard main battle tanks
Poland is pushing Ukraine to acquire more than 14 Leopard main battle tanks from a coalition of Western states. “Poland will demand the creation of large military units of military importance in the defense of Ukraine,” Polish Ambassador to Germany Dariusz Pavlos Funke told media group newspapers. “Such a formation with professional equipment could establish a serious blockade against Russian aggression against Ukraine.”
11:24 pm – Ex-NATO commander: Warplanes should be provided to western Ukraine
According to former NATO chief James Stavridis, the West should provide warplanes and tanks to Ukraine for defense against Russia. “I think Ukraine needs fighter jets,” former US admiral “maybrit illner” told the ZDF program.
On the one hand, he thinks of MiG-29 fighter jets from Poland, which the Ukrainians know how to operate and can be supplied directly. “They can then be supported by America’s F-16s.” Stavritis added that equipping the F-16 fighters will take longer because Ukrainian pilots must be trained first. However, the Ukrainian Air Force has already done a great job of learning how to use other systems.
Now the focus is on the fight on the field. “But a fight is unfolding in the sky over Ukraine, where (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is more successful than he has ever been on the ground,” Stavritis said. Supplying tanks to Ukraine is “of major importance” at the moment, and among other things, Russia is expected to mobilize additional troops this coming spring. “They’re not particularly well-trained or highly skilled, but quantity translates into quality later,” Stavritis said.
9:26 pm – Zelenskyj: Ukrainians hold their positions in Solader
According to Zelensky, Ukrainian soldiers are holding their positions in Soledar. In doing so, they inflicted significant casualties on Russian troops, Zelenskyy said in his evening video address. Information cannot be independently verified. Russian report not available.
Smog near Soledar (photo from January 11)
What: AP/Libkos
A Ukrainian soldier who died near Soledar was buried by comrades in Bucha (photo from January 12)
They are: AP/Bela Szandelszky
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