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It comes as Berlin confirms its Leopard 2 tanks could arrive in Ukraine before the end of March
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Moment Zelensky told tanks would be delivered
A Kremlin spokesperson has dismissed Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s comments that Vladimir Putin was a “nobody” who he had no interest in speaking with.
Mr Zelensky dismissed Russia’s president in an interview with Sky News on Thursday, adding that he was not interested in peace talks with him.
“I don’t think an answer is necessary,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Sky News in reply. “He himself has long ceased to be a possible opponent for President Putin.
“He was preparing for war.”
Elsewhere, Mr Peskov has also accused the West of direct involvement in the conflict over the provision of tanks to Ukraine.
“European capitals and Washington constantly give statements that sending various types of weapons, including tanks, in no way means their involvement in hostilities,” he said.
“We strongly disagree with this. In Moscow, this is perceived as direct involvement in the conflict and we see that this is growing.”
Berlin has stated that the German-made Leopard 2 tanks could arrive in Ukraine before the end of March. Defence minister Boris Pistorius confirmed that Ukrainian troops will start training before the end of January.
In an interview with Sky News, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky has discussed an anticipated Russian offensive.
“We see their attacks are stronger there may be a couple of surges,” he told Kay Burley.
“[It] depends on our strength and how we can repel their attacks.
“The east is losing a lot of people. They don’t care about that. We count their losses. 1,000s of soldiers – they just throw them into the meat grinder.”
Emergency officials in Ukraine say Russia’s latest drone and missile attacks killed 11 people and wounded 11 more.
Russia launched a rush-hour barrage of missiles across Ukraine – killing one person in Kyiv – the day after President Volodymyr Zelensky secured Western pledges of dozens of tanks to help in the country’s war effort.
Air raid sirens wailed nationwide, while booms were heard by The Independent around Kyiv, where the head of the city administration said that 15 cruise missiles were shot down.
Air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said as many as six Tu-95 warplanes had taken off from the Arctic region of Murmansk in northern Russia and launched long-range missiles. He said there was a volley of more than 30 missiles.
Addressing the issue of restocking the UK’s military supplies, defence minister Alex Chalk suggested these discussions were too sensitive to be had on the floor of the Commons.
Mr Chalk was responding to shadow defence minister Rachel Hopkins’ question about how many contracts have been signed to replenish UK stockpiles of weapons sent to Ukraine.
“What steps is the minister taking to ramp up production of ammunition and equipment to restock our own armed forces and to support Ukraine? It took 287 days in to the start of the invasion for the defence secretary to get his act together and sign a new contract to replenish N-Laws (anti-tank weapons) for our armed forces and for Ukraine”, she remarked.
Mr Chalk replied: “On the issue of restocking, she is right. She will understand that there are operational sensitivities which mean that I can’t go into the detail of exactly what is going to be restocked and when.
“But she will know, and the privy councillors including from the Opposition have been given a briefing on that, that is exactly what we should be doing to ensure that those who need to know these sensitive details are told what they properly can be.”
Labour has welcomed moves by the UK and Nato allies to send tanks to Ukraine.
Shadow defence minister Rachel Hopkins told the Commons: “The UK remains united in its support of Ukraine. The first package of UK military assistance for 2023 with tanks, artillery, infantry vehicles, ammunition and missiles has Labour’s fullest support.
“We warmly welcome announcements from Germany, the US, France and Poland that they will be sending tanks and that Germany will grant export licences to allow others to follow suit. This will provide more of the equipment Ukraine needs to win at a pivotal moment.
“This is an historic move from Germany in particular and Nato allies continue to move in lockstep to provide vital support.”
She also urged ministers to replenish the UK’s supply of arms after its donations to Ukraine, telling them: “What steps is the minister taking to ramp up production of ammunition and equipment to restock our own armed forces and to support Ukraine?
“It took 287 days in to the start of the invasion for the Defence Secretary to get his act together and sign a new contract to replenish N-Laws (anti-tank weapons) for our armed forces and for Ukraine.
“So how many more contracts have been signed to replenish UK stockpiles of other weapons sent to Ukraine?”
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has praised his “special bond” with Boris Johnson – but said it is “not correct” for him to support any comeback bid by the former prime minister.
Mr Zelensky was quizzed in an interview with Sky News on his relationship with the former British PM, who he previously called a “true friend” during Mr Johnson’s final days in office.
Mr Johnson was one of the most vocal backers of Ukraine on the world stage after the Russian invasion began last year, and since leaving No 10 he has continued to offer support to Mr Zelensky.
But Mr Zelensky insisted it is “not correct” for him to support any comeback bid, saying he has “good relations” with Rishi Sunak.
Katy Clifton reports:
Ukraine’s president praises ‘special bond’ with former British prime minister
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked allies following the provision of German tanks.
“Today is a day of extremely good news for Ukraine. There is a tank coalition”, Mr Zelensky stated in his nightly address.
“There is a decision to launch the supply of tanks for our defence. Modern tanks.
“I started this day with a conversation with Chancellor Scholz, primarily about Leopards for Ukraine. And this is exactly the kind of conversation we expected.
“I thank Mr. Chancellor, all German politicians and public figures for their willingness to strengthen the defense of Europe.
“There is a very powerful step by the United States…Ukraine will receive Abrams. Thank you for this decision.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has accused the West of “direct involvement” in the conflict over the provision of tanks to Ukraine.
“European capitals and Washington constantly give statements that sending various types of weapons, including tanks, in no way means their involvement in hostilities,” Mr Peskov told Sky News.
“We strongly disagree with this. In Moscow, this is perceived as direct involvement in the conflict and we see that this is growing.”
Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida said during a parliamentary session that he would consider visiting the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv depending on “various circumstances.”
“Nothing has been decided at this point, but we will consider,” Mr Kishida said, as reported by Kyodo News.
A ruling party lawmaker had previously urged Mr Kishida to follow the leaders of allied countries in the Group of Seven. Japan is preparing to host an upcoming G7 summit in Hiroshima in May.
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivers his policy speech at the start of an ordinary session of the Diet, Japan’s parliament, at the lower house of parliament, in Tokyo, Japan, 23 January 2023
Berlin has said that the German-made Leopard 2 tanks could arrive in Ukraine before the end of March.
Defence minister Boris Pistorius confirmed that Ukrainian troops will start training on how to operate the vehicles before the end of January.
This week, it was announced that both the Leopard 2 and the US Abrams will be deployed to Ukraine to help push back Russian offensives.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said that Russia’s missile strike on Odesa was a response to UNESCO’s decision to put the city on its list of endangered World Heritage sites.
The World Heritage Committee at UNESCO enlisted the historic city on the World Heritage List on Wednesday.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay described Odesa as “a free city, a world city, a legendary port that has left its mark on cinema, literature and the arts.”
She confirmed that it had been “placed under the reinforced protection of the international community.”
“While the war continues, this inscription embodies our collective determination to ensure that this city, which has always surmounted global upheavals, is preserved from further destruction”, she added.
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