Ukraine crisis.

 

 

Disagreement over sending tanks.

 In Germany, the defense ministers of 50 countries, NATO and related officials discussed at length the delivery of the main battle tanks requested by Ukraine. But Friday's conference ended without any decision. The allies of Ukraine could not come to any decision about sending the Leopard-2 tank made by Germany or the M1 Abrams tank of the United States. Ukraine is not getting tanks anytime soon as no deal has been signed. Kiev considers this tank very important to counter Russian attacks. News from New York Times and AFP. The talks lasted for more than five hours at the Ramstein Airport in Germany. Later, US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin said that Germany has not yet made a decision about sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Washington agrees to send its own M1 Abrams tanks. However, it is not certain whether this position will change in the future. Kiev has repeatedly requested the shipment of modern Western battle tanks to bolster its damaged fleet. Britain has recently announced the delivery of a small number of Challenger 2 tanks. The UK has also asked other countries to send tanks to help fend off Russian attacks in the coming months. Ukraine hoped that the meeting would allow other countries to send Leopard 2 tanks, or that a new agreement would be reached. But after a few days of discussion, Germany and the United States could not reach a decision. Due to lack of agreement, other 54 countries will not be able to send their own tanks. Because it needs Germany's approval. At the meeting, Berlin and Washington officials said that even if there is no agreement, they are not giving up. Can send tank anytime. They agreed to continue all other efforts to assist Ukraine. Austin said there is a lot of pressure from participating countries to meet Ukraine's needs by sending tanks and armored vehicles. German Defense Secretary Boris Pistorius said Berlin would train its Leopard tanks. A list of tanks will also be drawn up for future contracts. In the past few weeks, the West has agreed to send Patriot missile systems and armored warships, breaking a series of sanctions. Russia sees this move as a provocation. Westerners fear increased Russian attacks before spring. As a result, Britain and other countries are pressing to send tanks to Kiev. Berlin did not agree to send tanks despite heavy pressure on Germany at Friday's meeting. The country says that they will take a decision after considering all the pros and cons of sending tanks. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a regular speech on Friday that there is no other option but tanks to defend Kiev in this war. He said, 'A decision should be taken on sending tanks as soon as possible.' The United States has declared the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary supplier, a transnational criminal organization. Washington said next week it would impose new sanctions on donors in addition to the group. US National Security Spokesman John Kirby said the organization is committing atrocities and violating human rights in Ukraine and elsewhere. The group currently has 50,000 mercenary members fighting in Ukraine. They are fighting for the Russian army.