Volodymyr Zelensky has “thanked” Emmanuel Macron for the transfer of AMX-10 RC light combat tanks to Ukraine. “Thank you my friend! Your leadership brings us closer to victory”, did he write on Twitter. During a telephone conversation on Wednesday January 4, French President Emmanuel Macron announced to his Ukrainian counterpart that France would deliver to Ukraine “light battle tanks” of French manufacture, according to the Elysée. The number of tanks and delivery times were not specified. Follow our live.
“No lament” after Ukrainian strike killed scores of Russian soldiers, US says. There is no “wailing” in Washington after a Ukrainian strike killed scores of Russian soldiers in eastern Ukraine, a White House spokesman said Wednesday. “It’s war. (The Ukrainians) have been invaded and they are fighting back and defending themselves”, said John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council attached to President Joe Biden, during an interview with the press. Earlier in the day, Russia had admitted a heavier toll of the strike that targeted Russian soldiers in Makiivka on New Year’s night, climbing to 89 dead.
France promises Ukraine light combat tanks, a first. Paris has promised Ukraine to deliver French-made AMX-10 RC light battle tanks to meet kyiv’s pressing needs to confront the Russian army, the French president announced to his Ukrainian counterpart on Wednesday. “The president wanted to increase aid” military brought to kyiv “by agreeing to deliver light combat tanks”explained the presidency after an hour-long phone call between the two leaders, stating that “this is the first time that tanks of Western design have been supplied to the Ukrainian Armed Forces”.
Vladimir Putin presides over the departure of a ship equipped with hypersonic missiles.
The Russian president attended by videoconference on Wednesday the departure of this ship for a mission in the Atlantic and Indian oceans and in the Mediterranean. “I am sure that such powerful weapons will effectively protect Russia from external threats and help defend the national interests of our country”commented the master of the Kremlin, according to Russian agencies. “The ship’s crew will train in the deployment of hypersonic weapons and long-range cruise missiles”said Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.