Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday January 19 that he intended to take back Crimea annexed by Russia in 2014. “Our goal is to liberate all of our territories”said the leader who spoke by videoconference at the Davos Forum. “Crimea is our land, our territory, our sea and our mountains. Give us your weapons and we will get our lands back”, he said. Follow our live.
Volodymyr Zelensky criticizes Germany. The Ukrainian president criticized Germany’s hesitation to authorize deliveries of heavy tanks. It’s not about the “good strategy”according to him. “There are times when one shouldn’t hesitate or compare oneself. When someone says ‘I won’t deliver tanks if someone else does'”he added.
Opening of a criminal investigation after the crash of the helicopter near kyiv. A criminal investigation was ordered by Volodymyr Zelensky after the crash of his helicopter which killed at least 14 people. “I instructed the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, in cooperation with all other authorized bodies, to clarify all the circumstances of the disaster”did he declare.
Charles Michel goes to kyiv. European Council President Charles Michel announced on Thursday that he was “on the way to Kyiv” where he is due to discuss new support measures for Ukraine with Volodymyr Zelensky. The two leaders will discuss “concrete measures (…) to ensure that (Ukraine) is stronger and more powerful”said Charles Michel in a video message posted on Twitter.
NATO promises “heavier and more modern” weapons for Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wanted to send a message to the World Economic Forum in Davos: “The main message will be increased support with heavier and more modern weapons.” Many Western countries have announced increased military aid in recent weeks.
The United States opposed the delivery of Abrams tanks. The United States is not ready to provide Ukraine with its most advanced heavy tanks, the Abrams, assured the number three of the Pentagon, Colin Kahl. “The Abrams tank is very complicated equipment. It is expensive, it requires difficult training, it has a jet engine. I believe it consumes 11 liters of kerosene per km”he justified. “It’s not the easiest system to maintain”he added.