The German Government today announced a comprehensive new package of military aid to Ukraine for a value of more than 2,950 million dollars and which will include, among other equipment, air defense systems, armored combat vehicles and artillery.
Specifically, the communiqué released by the Ministry of Defence, quotes 18 wheeled howitzers, artillery ammunition, guided missiles for air defense systems and 4 IRIS-T SLM fire units and 12 IRIS-T SLS launchers.
The package also includes additional battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, namely 30 Leopoard 1 A5 and 20 Marder, more than 100 armored fighting vehicles and more than 200 reconnaissance drones.
“With this valuable contribution of urgently needed military equipment, we show once again that Germany takes its support seriously. We all wish for a speedy end to this terrible war by Russia against the Ukrainian people and contrary to international law,” said Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
Since that end is not yet foreseeable, “Germany will provide all the help it can, as long as it is necessary,” he assured.
The equipment included in the package comes from the reserves of the industry or from industrial production, the statement specifies, which emphasizes that the application of these measures decided by the German Government has already begun.
This is the largest military aid package provided to date by Germany to support the Ukrainian armed forces since the start of the war in February last year, writes “Spiegel”.
According to information in the weekly, this package will be announced as a symbol of German solidarity in Ukraine in parallel to the delivery of the Charlemagne Prize this sunday to the ukrainian president, Volodimir Zelenkywhose attendance at the ceremony in Aachen, in western Germany, has not been officially confirmed.
Zelensky arrived in Rome this Saturday, according to Italian media, which broadcast television images showing an important procession of vehicles leaving from the military part of the Ciampino airport.
The president, who was received at the location by the head of Italian diplomacy Antonio Tajaniis scheduled to meet with the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarellawith the head of government Giorgia Meloni and Pope Francis.
“Today in Rome. I meet with the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, with the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Francis. An important visit for the next victory of Ukraine! ”, Zelensky expressed on his social networks.
Italian television broadcast images showing a large procession of vehicles leaving the airport, while security forces blocked large sections of the capital.
Despite a history of good relations with Russia, Italy –member of the European Union and NATO– has sent arms and financial aid to Ukraine since the president Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of its neighboring country in February 2022.
Italy has also supported Western sanctions against Russia.
(With information from EFE)
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Source-www.infobae.com