Friday marks the anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion.
(Photo: dpa)
Kyiv, Warsaw Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his confidence in victory shortly before the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of his country. Ukraine will win this “historic confrontation,” Zelensky said in a video speech on Monday evening. “The aggressor state, which is increasingly developing into a terrorist state, will be held accountable for its crimes.” The entire free world is helping Kiev to defend freedom, independence and the international legal order.
Almost a year after the start of the war, US President Joe Biden was a guest in Kiev – “in our free capital of our free country,” said Selenski. This is a sign of how resilient Ukraine is.
According to the Ukrainian assessment, the visit was also a clear message to the war opponent Russia. The visit was a signal to the Kremlin “that the US will stand by Ukraine until it wins the war. The Kremlin, in turn, has no chance of winning,” said the head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Andriy Yermak, in Kiev. The Russian war of aggression enters its second year this Friday.
Rheinmetall: Marder tanks will be delivered as planned at the end of March
The armaments group Rheinmetall confirmed that its contingent of Marder-type armored personnel carriers would be delivered to Ukraine without delay. “It is agreed to deliver at the end of March. They’re already finished here,” said CEO Armin Papperger in Unterlüß.
The federal government had announced that it would hand over 40 armored personnel carriers to Kiev. Of these, 20 are said to come from the stocks of the Bundeswehr, and 20 more will be supplied by Rheinmetall.
Germany wants to give Ukraine 40 armored personnel carriers of this type.
(Photo: dpa)
Baerbock appeals to China not to supply weapons to Russia
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock appealed to China not to supply Russia with weapons for the war against Ukraine. In talks with the Chinese delegation at the Munich Security Conference, she made it clear that China, as a member of the Security Council, is responsible for world peace, said the Greens politician in Brussels. “Of course, this also means that China is not allowed to supply weapons – including dual-use goods – to Russia. I underlined this intensively in my discussions.”
US government gives details of military aid to Ukraine
The US government provided further details on the military aid to Ukraine announced by Biden in Kiev. The new package is worth up to $460 million and includes rockets for the Himars multiple rocket launcher, artillery shells, mortar shells and armor-piercing missiles, the Pentagon said.
Radar systems for air surveillance as well as various vehicles and medical equipment are also included in the planned delivery. The armaments come from stocks of the US military.
Ukraine: Risk of Russian air strikes still high
The Ukrainian general staff continues to assess the risk of massive Russian air strikes as high. According to Ukrainian reports, at least one person was killed and two injured in the Donetsk region on Monday. There was an air alert nationwide for an hour and a half. The trigger is said to have been Russian fighter jets that have risen in Belarus. These can fire hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, which Ukraine cannot intercept.
This is how the Handelsblatt reports on the Ukraine war:
Despite repeated Russian airstrikes, the Ukrainian energy system has not recorded a deficit for the second week in a row, according to state-owned electricity grid operator Ukrenerho. No regional power consumption limits have been set either, it said. Occasionally, however, shutdowns can occur.
Selenski speaks with IMF director
Ukrainian President Zelensky spoke to International Monetary Fund (IMF) Director Kristalina Georgieva about further support for his country. “IMF support is a chance for Ukraine to stay strong,” Zelensky said after the meeting in Kyiv. “It is also a weapon – an economic weapon that enables us, our society and our companies to develop.” Through its activities, the IMF “always sends the right signals”.
The Ukrainian President has again asked the IMF for support.
(Photo: dpa)
Further Ukraine Contact Group meetings
According to Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Resnikov, the next meeting of the so-called Ukraine contact group is to take place in March via video conference. Arms deliveries to Kiev are coordinated via the US-led group. The members would then probably meet again in person in April at the US Air Base Ramstein in Rhineland-Palatinate, said Resnikov accordingly.
What will be important on Tuesday
After the short but well-received stay in Ukraine, Biden is now in neighboring Poland. According to the White House, he is planning a meeting with President Andrzej Duda in the capital Warsaw and a speech in front of the Royal Castle in the early evening.
The visit coincides with a State of the Union address by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Federal Assembly meets near the Kremlin. According to the Kremlin, Putin will address the war and the current situation in Russia. He also wants to comment on the economy and social policy. Because of the sanctions imposed by the West, the Russian economy is under massive pressure.
More: Don’t miss any developments in the Ukraine war – everything new in our news blog