Lambrecht for the first time in the Ukraine: She assures new weapons - and has to seek protection in a bunker

Created: 10/01/2022 20:52

By: Andreas Apetz

During her visit to Ukraine, Defense Minister Lamprecht 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, Federal Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) is in Ukraine herself to get an idea of ​​what is happening during 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.

Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht visits a defense position outside of Odessa.

(Archive photo) © Jörg Blank/dpa

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 is why it is 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.

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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.

According to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), it is the most modern air defense system that Germany has.

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Lamprecht 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.

Lamprecht confirmed this line.

(aa/dpa)