Ukraine Requests 12,000 Anti-Tank Missiles from Germany

On Monday, February 14, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will travel to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Ukraine’s ambassador in Berlin has asked him to provide heavy military weapons to his country.

Coinciding with the German Chancellor’s trip to Ukraine, the country’s ambassador in Berlin has asked Olaf Scholz to provide heavy military weapons to Ukraine. Andriy Melnyk told German broadcaster Bild that his country needs 12,000 anti-tank missiles and thousands of air defense missiles to be able to defend itself against a potential Russian attack.

According to the latest reports from American officials, Russia currently has 130,000 troops deployed on the border with Ukraine. The Kremlin has denied any intention to attack Ukrainian territory, saying it feels threatened by NATO and has therefore deployed its troops on the Ukraine border.

Ukraine continues to protest Germany’s policy of not sending weapons to the country. The country’s ambassador in Berlin said on Sunday night (February 13) to broadcaster Bild that the German Chancellor’s trip to Kyiv on Monday and to Moscow on Tuesday is the “last chance” to find a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis.

Andriy Melnyk emphasized: “We feel that war is becoming inevitable at any moment.” He said his government has prepared itself for the worst scenario; that the capital could be bombed in the coming days.

Ukraine’s ambassador, noting that Russia has more aircraft and ships than Ukraine, said: “We are an easy target there for President Putin.”

Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Foreign Minister, also warned on Sunday night in an interview with German national television of a “dangerous situation.” However, she emphasized that so far there has been “no indication” that military confrontation is certain.

According to Ms. Baerbock, Olaf Scholz wants to discuss disarmament measures and greater transparency from both sides in Kyiv and Moscow. She emphasized: “We are trying through all channels to keep Russia at the negotiating table.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will discuss the Ukraine crisis in the coming days with the leaders of Northern European and Baltic region countries. His spokesman said: “There is still a window for de-escalation and diplomacy.”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, invited U.S. President Joe Biden to visit Kyiv. According to the Office of the President of Ukraine, Zelenskyy said in a telephone conversation with Joe Biden on Sunday night: “I am convinced that your visit to Kyiv in the coming days would be a strong signal and would help stabilize the situation.”

The American government has repeatedly stated in recent days that Russia could attack Ukraine “at any moment.” American media, citing U.S. intelligence organizations, the CIA, reported that a Russian attack on Ukraine would occur in the middle of this week.

Ukraine’s President has considered the publication of this news as fearmongering among his country’s people.

Source: DW