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Speaking at the Davos Forum, the Ukrainian president called for "more speed" in decisions on arms deliveries to his country amid the Russian invasion

Zelensky criticises Germany for doubts over Leopard tank supplies

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World Economic Forum/Mattias Nutt - Zelensky addresses world leaders at World Economic Forum in Davos
Margarita Arredondas
Updated: 20/01/23

Once again, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky has called on the international community for support and backing during the brutal Russian invasion of his country. On this occasion, the Ukrainian leader addressed world leaders at the World Economic Forum being held in the Swiss city of Davos.

"Tragedies are overtaking life. Tyranny is overtaking democracy," Zelensky declared 329 days after Moscow launched its offensive on Ukraine. In this sense, the Ukrainian president recalled that Russia "needed less than a second to start the war", while "the world needed days to react with the first sanctions".

zelensky-davos-foro

Zelensky regretted that the international community felt "hesitant" on several occasions to respond to certain acts committed by Moscow, such as the occupation of the Crimean peninsula. For this reason, the Ukrainian leader re-emphasised the need to impose "maximum" sanctions against Russia, as well as to "totally" isolate the Russian market.

In addition to sanctions, Zelensky called for military support for his country. In particular, the Ukrainian leader called for "air defence missiles and tanks", weapons that, according to Zelensky, should be supplied "more quickly".  

"The supply of air defence systems to Ukraine must exceed the upcoming missile attacks by Russia," he said during his virtual address to the Davos Forum. "Western tank supplies must overcome the coming Russian tank invasion," he added.

Zelensky's plea comes just days after Ukraine suffered one of the most brutal attacks since the invasion began. More than 40 civilians were killed - including several children - in a Russian attack on a residential building in the city of Dnipro. The UN has called for the event to be investigated as a possible war crime and for those responsible to be brought to justice. 

Despite the violence used by the Russian army against Ukrainian civilians, some countries remain hesitant to send arms to Ukraine. Germany, which has been criticised since the beginning of the war for its timid military support for Kiev, remains hesitant about supplying Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks.

After much European lobbying, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said he is ready to deliver Leopard tanks to Ukraine, provided that the United States supplies Abrams battle tanks.

Zelensky referred to this during his speech, saying that "there are times when we should not hesitate" and that Germany's decision to deliver tanks "if someone else also sends tanks" is "not the right strategy".

"Give us weapons and we will take back our land. We need all the strength we can get because we are fighting against all this tyranny. We cannot fight just with motivation and morale," explained Zelensky, who claimed that Kiev's goal was to "liberate all the territories". "Crimea is our land, our territory, our sea and our mountains," he added.

Sweden approves new military and economic aid package for Kiev

Despite Berlin's doubts, Ukraine will receive the Archer artillery system and armoured vehicles from Sweden. The Swedish government has confirmed a new military and financial aid package to Ukraine worth 384 million euros that also includes anti-tank weapons, mine clearance equipment and assault rifles.

"Ukraine's victory in this war is of almost indescribable importance," said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson during a press conference, where he also said that Ukraine was fighting "for the freedom of the whole of Europe".

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