BERLIN: In an interview with a German daily on Sunday, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Ukraine can anticipate additional Western deliveries of heavy weapons in the near future.
“The recent pledges for heavy warfare equipment are important — and I expect more in the near future,” Stoltenberg stated to the Handelsblatt daily. Kyiv has long advocated for heavier weaponry, such as tanks, but Western nations have been reluctant due to concerns about getting drawn into the conflict or provoking Russia.
The remarks come ahead of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting this week at Germany’s Ramstein air base, which coordinates arms supplies for Kyiv.
Stoltenberg stated, “We are in a decisive phase of the war.” As a result, it’s critical that we give Ukraine the weapons it needs to win.
The Ukrainians have gained ground since the invasion, and Western nations have increased their arsenal of weapons.
This month, the United States, Germany, and France each offered 40 German Marder infantry vehicles, 50 Bradley fighting vehicles, and 40 French AMX-10 RC light tanks.
However, the allies are increasingly under pressure to agree to the delivery of battle tanks.
Saturday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he would give Ukraine 14 Challenger 2 tanks. This makes Britain the first Western nation to give Ukraine the heavy tanks it has been asking for.
Read: Russia Ukraine Conflict Explained
Stoltenberg claimed that the attack on Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin was a mistake.
He underestimated the power of his own military. He continued, “We see their mistakes, their low morale, the issues with their leadership, and the poor equipment.”
However, “they have demonstrated that they are prepared to take heavy losses to achieve their goals,” the Russians claim.
Source: AFP