Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelensky has made an explicit request to Germany for tanks ahead of crunch talks involving dozens of Western allies at the Ramstein air base in southern Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The United States and Europe have already promised Kyiv more equipment to combat Russia’s invasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Berlin is under increasing pressure to allow the deployment of its Leopard 2 tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“If you have Leopard [tanks], give them to us,” Mr Zelensky said on German public television.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“These leopards will not pass through Russia; we are defending ourselves,” he said, criticising the German government’s hesitant stance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defence officials from more than 50 countries are due to meet at Ramstein, a day after the US and several European nations pledged more equipment to help Ukraine fend off any further Russian offensives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Almost 11 months after Russia launched its war against Ukraine, Nato military officials believe Moscow is planning a renewed spring offensive with troop numbers bolstered by a partial mobilisation since the end of September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The UK also offered 14 of its battle tanks recently – but Kyiv wants more.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelensky has made an explicit request to Germany for tanks ahead of crunch talks involving dozens of Western allies at the Ramstein air base in southern Germany. … <\/p>\n