Ukraine's ambassador to Germany optimistic about Leopard tanks supplies
Ukraine's Ambassador to Germany, Oleksiy Makeiev, spoke of this with the German publication Wirtschafts Woche, Ukrinform reports.
"German industry, in consultation with the governments of Germany and Ukraine, makes a decisive contribution to the victory of Ukraine in the war that Russia has waged against my country and against the West. Even if it sounds strange to some: German weapons save lives and contribute to the return of peace in Europe," said Makeiev, thanking Germany for its help.
He noted that the announcement of the decision by the German authorities to transfer 40 Marder IFVs and the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine was well received not only by German industry, but also by the public. The ambassador reminded that the most modern German anti-aircraft system Iris-T and Gepard anti-aircraft guns already show "fantastic results" in intercepting Russian missiles and kamikaze drones. Together with the Patriot systems promised by the Americans and Germans, a "decisive contribution to the protection of the Ukrainian sky from Russian missiles" will be made, the diplomat is convinced. And with the acquisition of the IFVs, "Ukraine's defense in the sky and on the ground is getting stronger," he added
At the same time, Makeiev emphasized the need for there to be no hesitation in the supply of weapons because every day costs Ukrainians many lives.
Speaking about the prospects of obtaining Leopard main battle tanks, Makeiev said that he is an "optimist". According to the ambassador, almost a year into the full-scale Russian invasion, many people in Germany finally understood that this war is about the existence of Ukraine and peace in all of Europe. Therefore, more and more people believe that Ukraine should be supported until it wins this war, the diplomat noted.
"This is a promising starting point for the government's decisions, in particular regarding Leopard supplies," Makeiev said.
He emphasized that Ukrainians' determination to win the war as early as this year is very high, but not everything depends on Ukrainians. "We still need military support. Because you have to fight for peace. And we, Ukrainians, do it on behalf of all Europeans," he said. The ambassador assured that Ukraine will not compromise on its sovereignty, territory, and independence.
Responding to a question about the "ceasefire for Orthodox Christmas" announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Makeiev reminded that on Putin's orders, the Russian military has been constantly shelling Ukrainian homes, hospitals, maternity wards, schools, and churches, including during Christmas and New Year. Therefore, with such interruptions, Putin only wants to take a breather and accumulate his forces in order to strike again.
"It is obvious that Russia's words cannot be trusted, and there will be no Minsk 3, which Russia will violate immediately after its signing," the head of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission emphasized, noting that many partners, including Germany, rejected this "fictitious proposal" voiced by Putin.
The ambassador emphasized that the Ukrainian state respects the rules and keeps its word. That is why President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly presented his 10-step peace plan. Ukraine expects that its partners will actively support the implementation of this plan, Makeiev added.
As reported, on January 5, Chancellor Olaf Scholz had a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden, after which both leaders announced new batches of military aid to Ukraine. In particular, Germany will transfer 40 Marder IFVs and a Patriot system.
