La Germania promette altri 12 PZH2000 all’Ucraina. Alcuni verranno consegnati nel 2024. *Titolo originale “La Germania promette all’Ucraina altri dodici obici semoventi”

Germany promises Ukraine twelve more self-propelled howitzers

At a meeting in Ramstein, Defense Minister Pistorius promised Kyjiw new arms deliveries. Twelve self-propelled howitzers worth 150 million euros are to be delivered – some this year.

Germany will deliver twelve more 2000 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine for 150 million euros. Six of the modern artillery pieces with a range of more than 30 kilometers would be delivered this year and six more next year, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) announced at the US air force base in Ramstein.

In addition, according to Pistorius, they and other European partners want to hand over 77 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks to the Ukrainian army as quickly as possible. US President Joe Biden had previously approved additional aid for Ukraine totaling $250 million. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced this in Ramstein in Rhineland-Palatinate. “It will strengthen capabilities to meet Ukraine’s changing needs,” says Austin. The funds should be made available quickly.

The so-called Ramstein Group is meeting at the US base this Friday. At the meetings in the so-called Ramstein format, defense ministers and military representatives regularly discuss efforts to support Ukraine with weapons, equipment and logistical assistance in the war against Russia. The participation of heads of state and government is not usual. In addition to Pistorius and Austin, among others, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj is present.

Unusual flying visit

With his visit, Zelensky apparently wants to make clear the seriousness of the situation in the Ukrainian war. The Russian army has been advancing in eastern Ukraine for months. At the same time, the country itself launched a surprise offensive in the western Russian region of Kursk at the beginning of August. In the afternoon, Zelenskyj will meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) in Frankfurt am Main for a one-on-one meeting. The Ukrainian head of state will then travel to Italy.

Zelenskyj pushed for the delivery of long-range missiles in Ramstein so that they could also attack targets in Russia. In addition, the Ukrainian armed forces need more F-16 fighter jets to be able to compete against the Russian military, Zelensky said at the meeting. His country also needs more air defense capacity. The Western allies should ignore Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “red lines.”

mrc/dpa

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