In Davos, Ukraine urges world leaders to intensify war assistance

Ukraine has urged business and political leaders at the world Economic Forum (WEF)'s annual meeting in Davos to intensify efforts to help Kiev remove Russian troops from its territory.

Ukraine's deputy prime minister, Yuliia Svyrydenko, called on the world leaders on Tuesday to intensify efforts to supply Kiev with more military hardware so that Russia could be more quickly defeated.

"What's next is success. Russia won't achieve its goal and we will definitely win this war," Svyrydenko said when asked what was next for Ukraine.

Ukraine's first lady, Olena Zelenska, who was also attending the meeting in Switzerland, used a special address to delegates in Davos to use their influence to end Russia's aggression. She said some were failing to use their influence, or sometimes using it in a way "that divides even more."

"What can life be in a world where tanks are allowed to strike at nuclear power stations? What will happen to inflation when state borders start to collapse, and the integrity of countries is trampled?" Zelenska asked.

"This war can go further, and make crises wider, if the aggressor does not lose," she added.

Germany under pressure to send heavy tanks to Ukraine

Ukraine's war with Russia continued to dominate the first day of the gathering in Switzerland, when Germany's allies called on Chancellor Olaf Scholz to allow the supply of German-made Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

Germany has so far resisted providing the modern tanks, saying Western tanks should only be supplied to Ukraine if Kiev's main allies, particularly the United States, agree.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said at a WEF panel on Tuesday that Europe didn't "have the luxury for such delays. It must be done fast." Nauseda said he "strongly believes" Germany would provide Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

Polish President Andrzej Duda also said, "We hope and are trying to organize bigger support for Ukraine. We hope a few partners, allies, will give tanks to Ukraine."

German Defense Secretary Christine Lambrecht stepped down on Monday. Berlin said in a statement on Tuesday that a decision on the tanks would be the first item on her successor's agenda.

Germany has so far been cautious about approving weapons that could be seen by Russia as an escalation.

Britain, however, announced last weekend that it would provide Ukraine with a squadron of its Challenger 2 main battle tanks. France also said it was considering giving tanks to Ukraine.

Russia has warned the West against sending military hardware to Ukraine, saying the move would prolong the war, which began in February last year.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk