Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken out against the impending delivery of Western-made tanks to Ukraine, warning that Moscow’s response will go far beyond armored vehicles. The Russian president made the remarks during a ceremony commemorating the Battle of Stalingrad’s 80th anniversary.
“Unbelievable, but true: we are once again threatened by German Leopard tanks with crosses on their hulls. And, once again, attempting to battle Russia in Ukraine with the assistance of Hitler’s followers, the Banderites,” Putin stated.
“Those seeking to defeat Russia on the battlefield appear to be unaware that a modern war with Russia would be completely different for them. We will not be sending tanks to their borders. “However, we have something to respond with, and it will not be limited to armor use only,” he added.
Berlin reversed its position on supplying modern armor to Kiev last week, promising to deliver 14 Leopard 2 tanks and allowing European countries to re-export German-made vehicles from their own inventories.
The Leopards that are expected to be sent to Ukraine total 112 vehicles.
Separately, Washington promised to send 31 Abrams tanks, but they won’t arrive until late 2023 at the earliest.
Moscow has repeatedly urged the West to stop “pumping” Ukraine with modern weapons, warning that continued military assistance would only prolong the conflict and inflict more suffering on ordinary Ukrainians, rather than changing the outcome of the conflict.
