While Zelenskyy invites China to dialogue, the USA draws military supplies from depots in Israel and South Korea
Olaf Scholz has promised to continue supporting Ukraine, not to mention tanks. The German Chancellor’s speech in Davos was harsh but evasive, recalling Germany’s commitment but not giving the expected go-ahead for delivery of the Leopard tanks requested by Kyiv. But things are moving, German ministers and officials conceded over the past two days, and it seems that Berlin may give in to pressure from Ukraine and some western countries: On Friday at the donors’ summit at the American base in Ramstein, Germany ok for delivery of tanks made in Germany. Provided, say German sources, that the US sends its tanks. The West hesitated in 2014, but now a quick approach to decisions is needed to help Ukraine and deal with Russia, which exports terror, responded via video link Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who wrote a letter to Xi Jinping just yesterday to invite China to dialogue .
The United States, the New York Times revealed, in recent months has primarily withdrawn heavy artillery shells from its ammunition depots in Israel and South Korea, which were airlifted to Ukraine. A move dictated by the massive use of cannons at a rate of 90,000 shots per month, a figure that far exceeds American and European production. Jerusalem and Seoul have always refused to supply war material to the resistance as Washington is at the center of critical arenas and has promised to fill the gaps. However, the subject of inventories is emerging and will be discussed at the Ramstein Summit. Another priority area is anti-aircraft systems to counter invaders’ missile attacks.
After the USA and Germany, Holland has also pledged a battery of Patriots, and another large package from Washington is on the way. Meanwhile, US Chief of Staff Mark Milley met with his Ukrainian counterpart Valerii Zaluzhnyi for the first time at an undisclosed location in southern Poland. Consultations on forthcoming initiatives on the ground, on Kiev’s needs, on the tactical aspects, on the coordination needed to make aid flow more smoothly with immense difficulties: means of different origins, non-uniform training, constant requests for the replacement of equipment used in the Battle lost – the numbers are very high – and get more modern.
Surprisingly, Zelenskyy’s desire for long-range weapons remains open. the New York Times again to write that the government could grant schemes that could hit military installations in Crimea. A change after internal debate and evaluation of the invaders’ possible response. Washington seems willing to take the risk, partly because the Russians are now continuing to raid populated areas.
As the West explores how to make support to Kyiv more effective, Moscow wants to review the army to increase its capabilities and prolong the challenge. These are large maneuvers with medium and long-term effects. In fact, Putin is launching a major restructuring of the armed forces to be implemented over the period 2023-2026, with the long-term goal of reaching over a million and a half soldiers. The reform must include all sectors, it provides for the establishment of new military commands and districts (Moscow, Leningrad), the creation of important units for use on the border with Finland and others in Ukraine, the composition of 12 divisions and greater attention for preparation and recruitment. The message is clear: the Kremlin believes in a long conflict and wants the resources at its disposal. Yesterday, Putin himself reiterated that victory is inevitable, a phrase taken for granted but placed within the framework of mobilization, from the war industry to the individual platoon.
January 18, 2023 (change January 19, 2023 | 07:15)
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