weapons obtained by Zelensky during his European tour

2023-05-15 11:18:28

Nobody knows if the gains announced by the Ukrainians around Bakhmout are part of the long-promised counter-offensive by kyiv. In any case, President Volodymyr Zelensky does not stop asking Westerners for new weapons.

If he has not obtained any fighter planes in Germany or France, nor in the United Kingdom where he is going this Monday, May 15, he has however been promised armored vehicles, tanks and missiles.

► England provides anti-aircraft missiles and attack drones

London has announced the upcoming delivery of “hundreds” anti-aircraft missiles as well as “hundreds” attack drones with a range of over 200 km. Their type was not specified. Last week, the United Kingdom had already announced the supply of long-range Storm Shadow missiles to kyiv, a first since the start of the conflict.

These weapons, capable of hitting a target more than 500 kilometers away, will allow Ukraine to reach all areas occupied by the Russians, including Crimea. Developed jointly by France and the United Kingdom in the 1990s, they can carry up to 500 kg of explosives and are very difficult to intercept.

► France promises AMX-10 RC

On Sunday, when Volodymyr Zelensky came to France, Emmanuel Macron undertook to train and equip several battalions with “Dozens of armored vehicles and light tanks, including AMX-10 RC”.

These vehicles, which entered service in 1981, are used for reconnaissance missions and driven by wheels. They can retaliate in case of contact with the enemy thanks to their 105 mm cannon and their two machine guns. On the road, the AMX-10 RC can reach a speed of 85 km/h.

► Germany provides tanks, anti-aircraft missiles and infantry fighting vehicles

In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured Volodymyr Zelensky that his country would support Ukraine “as long as necessary”. The visit of the Ukrainian president gave rise to the announcement of a new military aid plan of 2.7 billion euros, including the delivery of numerous tanks, armored vehicles and anti-aircraft defense systems.

Among this arsenal are 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles. Entering service in 1971, this tracked armored vehicle is equipped with several guns – the main one having a caliber of 20 mm – as well as anti-tank guided missiles. Berlin is also supplying kyiv with 30 Leopard 1 tanks, in addition to the 100 already offered in February. Entered service in 1964, it is equipped with a 105 mm cannon and two machine guns.

The German aid plan also includes 15 Gepard anti-aircraft guns. Ukraine will also be able to count on the Iris-T, a modern medium-range anti-aircraft system manufactured by the Germans capable of destroying planes, helicopters, drones, missiles and rockets. Olaf Scholz also mentioned howitzers, reconnaissance drones and artillery ammunition.

This new package promised by Germany is the largest since the start of the Russian invasion. Berlin’s support for kyiv reaches 17 billion euros, the Chancellor stressed, the second contribution after the United States.

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