During her visit to Ukraine, Defense Minister Lambrecht had to withdraw to a protective bunker due to an air raid alarm.
Odessa – The Ukraine war is 220 days old. For the first time since the beginning of the war, the Federal Minister of Defense Christina Lambrecht (SPD) itself on site in the Ukraineto get an idea of what was going on in the war. The SPD politician was welcomed by Ukrainian counterpart Oleksiy Resnikov on Saturday in the port city of Odessa on the Black Sea.
Lambrecht promised to deliver a first unit of the already promised Iris-T SLM ground-based air defense system within a few days. Even the Bundeswehr does not yet have the state-of-the-art weapon system. During the Defense Minister’s visit, two Russian missiles fell in Odessa. In the afternoon, Lambrecht himself had to be brought to safety because of an air raid alarm.
War in Ukraine: Lambrecht assures delivery of anti-aircraft system
Because of an air alert that lasted 45 minutes, the 57-year-old had to seek shelter in a bunker in the afternoon. Reznikov said the Russians shot down a Kalibr missile, most likely from a ship. In the bunker he advertised the delivery of anti-ship missiles. The SPD politician said the situation made it clear how important it was to deliver a first unit of the Iris-T SLM ground-based air defense system quickly.
Lambrecht spoke of delivery in a few days and praised the system’s Ukrainian team, which she met during training in Germany. “Ukraine is currently experiencing an incredible number of airstrikes, and that’s why it’s so important that we provide even more support in terms of air defense,” said the minister, emphasizing: “You can count on us there.” Resnikov said Ukrainians would do that fighting for a long time until all their territories are liberated – including the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.
War in Ukraine: Air defense system to be delivered in October
Germany initially wants to make four of the systems, each costing 140 million euros, available to Ukraine. Funding for three more systems has been secured. A unit consists of four vehicles – a fire control unit and three rocket launchers. It should be able to protect a medium-sized city from air attacks. The system provides protection against attacks by aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) According to it is the most modern anti-aircraft system that Germany has.
Lambrecht and Resnikov also discussed the long-awaited delivery of main battle tanks. Ukraine has long been demanding modern Leopard 2 and armored personnel carriers from Western countries such as Germany. So far, no NATO country has delivered western-style main battle tanks. Chancellor Scholz had emphasized that Germany would not go it alone in this matter and thus initially rejected a tank delivery. One wants to concentrate on the provision of air defense systems and artillery. Lambrecht confirmed this line. (aa/dpa)
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