Lavrov spokeswoman demonizes Berlin as a "war party" - Putin ambassador rages against "Hollywood style"
Created: 12/23/2022, 4:55 am
By: Bettina Menzel, Sven Hauberg, Franziska Schwarz
The USA's planned Patriots deliveries to Ukraine make Russia nervous.
Meanwhile, Lavrov's spokeswoman describes Germany as a "war party".
News ticker on diplomacy in the Ukraine war.
Sanctions
against
Russian oil
are apparently working: the amount transported is decreasing.
Zelenskyy
praises
skills of Ukrainian fighters
: "Can serve US tanks perfectly themselves"
US
to deliver
Patriot air defense system
to Ukraine: "Mr. President, welcome back"
Update from December 22, 8 p.m
.: Negotiations in the Ukraine war have recently stalled.
According to Putin, this is not because of Russia.
Moscow "never shied away," said the Kremlin boss.
All information in the new news ticker on war diplomacy.
Update from December 22, 6:02 p.m
.: So far, a total of 954 Ukraine war refugees have come to Germany via the so-called Moldova airlift.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior announced that 56 people who had sought refuge in Moldova before the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine landed at Karlsruhe Airport on Thursday.
The first refugees were brought to Germany via the "Moldau Airlift" in March - about a month after the start of the Russian attack.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, these are mainly women, children and people with health problems.
At the time, Germany had offered the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine's smallest and economically weakest neighboring country, to take on up to 2,500 refugees directly.
A total of twelve EU member states as well as Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Iceland have agreed to take in people from Moldova, the ministry said.
Update from December 22, 2:50 p.m .:
Russia wants to destroy US Patriot air defense systems after they have been delivered to Ukraine.
"Demilitarization is one of the goals of the military special operation," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday, according to the Russian news agency Interfax when asked about Moscow's reaction to the promised US arms deliveries to Kyiv.
In the face of the Ukraine war, Peskov criticized that the USA would wage a war against Russia with the delivery.
The United States and other states are constantly supplying Ukraine with new types of weapons with greater technical capabilities.
"This does not contribute to a quick settlement of the situation - on the contrary," Peskov said, referring to the current developments in the war in Ukraine.
Sanctions against Russian oil are apparently working – the volume transported is decreasing
Update from December 22, 2:20 p.m .:
In the midst of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, western countries with sanctions packages are also targeting Russia’s oil exports.
New data now shows that this actually works.
According to a report by the US news agency Bloomberg, the amount transported by sea in tankers fell by 54 percent to 1.6 million barrels (159 liters each) per day.
According to the agency, however, the data relate only to a very short observation period of a full week after the introduction of the sanctions on December 5th.
In addition, the maintenance work in the Baltic Sea port of Primorsk may have led to a lower volume.
At the same time, however, declining loading activity was reported in other ports.
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Ukraine News: Lavrov's spokeswoman attacks Germany as a "war party"
Update from December 22, 12:29 p.m
.: Lavrov spokeswoman Maria Zakharova now disqualified Germany as an “honest broker” in the Ukraine war.
The federal government under Chancellor Olaf Scholz continues to "pump" weapons into the "Kiev regime" and has therefore become a "war party", quotes the Russian state news agency Tass Zakharova.
In addition, Germany is currently acting as the "coordinator of the economic war," said Zakharova with a view to the EU sanctions against Russia.
Ukraine news: Putin ambassador rages over 'sick notion' over Patriots
Update from December 22, 10:01 a.m
.: The planned US patriot deliveries for the Ukraine war are causing an uproar in Moscow.
The Russian ambassador in Washington accuses the United States of a "proxy war" against his country.
With a view to Zelenskyj's visit to the USA, Anatoly Antonov also spoke of a "Hollywood-style" production.
This shows that Washington's assurances that it is not seeking confrontation with Russia are "just empty words".
Ukraine News: Patriot shipments cause uproar in Russia – West spreads 'lies'
Instead, the "lie" is being spread that Russia is not interested in a peaceful solution, Antonov continued.
The United States would be guided by the "morbid idea of victory over the Russians on the battlefield," he said on Facebook.
At the same time, diplomat Antonov again warned that Russian forces would destroy the Patriot system like other Western weapons.
Russia therefore assumes that the weapons will be operated by Americans or specialists from other NATO countries because the Ukrainians themselves are not able to do this (Zelenskyj had denied this).
Antonov said that Putin has repeatedly offered negotiations.
An anti-aircraft missile system of the "Patriot" type at the Schwesing military airport.
© Axel Heimken/dpa
Biden government wants to deliver Patriots to Ukraine: CSU reacts with warning to Lambrecht Ministry
Update from December 22nd, 9.29 a.m
.: The announced Patriot deliveries from the USA to Ukraine call the German political opposition onto the scene: The CSU is now asking the traffic light coalition to follow suit: It was possible to determine during the course of the Ukraine war that supporting Ukraine with weapons "helps the most," said CSU Secretary General Martin Huber on RTL / ntv.
Ukraine-News: Lambrecht confirms further deliveries of Iris-T to Ukraine
On Wednesday (December 21), Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) on Deutschlandfunk, when asked whether Germany was also planning to deliver Patriots, said that it was important for the federal government to support its alliance partners.
This is done with the stationing of German patriots in the NATO country Slovakia, which gave up its air defense systems to Ukraine very early on.
One now also supports the NATO partner Poland with Patriots.
The German Iris-T air defense system was handed over to Ukraine.
Next year, Lambrecht said, three more such systems will be delivered.
Ukraine news: "Can serve US tanks perfectly themselves" - Zelenskyj praises the skills of Ukrainian fighters
Update from December 22,
6:16 a.m .: In his speech to the US Congress, Selenskyj assured that his country would “never surrender”.
He also spoke about the skills of Ukrainian soldiers: “Ukraine has never asked American soldiers to fight in our place on our land.
I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers are perfectly capable of operating American tanks and planes themselves.”
Zelenskyj speaks in the US Congress © Carolyn Kaster/AP/da
Update from December 21, 11:24 p.m .:
The public address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj and US President Joe Biden in the context of the Ukraine war focused on two main topics: the official announcement of the $ 1.85 billion aid package as well as the common allegiance against Putin.
Both hope that important achievements can be made for Ukraine in the war against Russia in the coming months.
At their joint appearance, both emphasized the cohesion of the two countries.
The ultimate core message of the meeting: solidarity.
Update from December 21, 11:09 p.m .:
Selenskyj answers a question from the audience partly in English, partly he switches back to his native language.
In an English reply he says: "I really hope that we win together... not just hope, I'm sure!"
Update from December 21, 11:03 p.m.:
After Biden’s speech, Selenskyj addressed the congress.
"I came to the United States today to express my gratitude to the American people." Given the background, the short visit to Washington is "a historic event for relations with the United States".
Selenskyj also thanks Biden and Congress.
He had traveled to Washington to strengthen Ukraine in the war.
He and Biden had intensive discussions about upcoming strategies and defense options.
Sanctions and ways to put pressure on the attacker were also discussed during the visit.
The Ukrainian President was particularly grateful for the newly agreed aid package, which includes the Patriot air defense system, among other things.
In between, he resorts to dramatic words: "We have to survive this winter."
Update from December 21, 10:54 p.m .:
According to the US President, Ukraine is sending a central signal with its fight for freedom.
“What you have achieved is important not only for Ukraine but for the whole world.
Together we will keep the flame of freedom burning.” With its defense against Russia, the country has received a lot of encouragement from countries in Europe and the USA.
The US would have taken in around 221,000 Ukrainian refugees.
“So far, Russia is alone in the war.
But you were not alone.
You will never stand alone.”
The US feels Ukrainian values and the struggle for freedom "deep in the bones".
The country is ready to take action against tyrants.
Biden then lists many components of the aid package that the US is providing to Ukraine and includes $ 1.85 billion.
"We supply a constant stream of defensive weapons," he says, among other things.
Update from December 21, 10:47 p.m .:
The speech of the Ukrainian President Selenskyj before the US Congress starts with some delay.
"It's nice to see you in person again.
It was important for me to speak to you personally and to be able to look you in the eye.” He was in close contact with Zelenskyj from the beginning of the war.
In his speech, Biden emphasized, among other things, Putin's cruelty in his attack.
"Russia uses winter as a weapon, freezes people, starves them."
New US Ambassador to Russia overwhelmingly confirmed
Update from December 21, 9:59 p.m .:
The US Senate confirmed the new ambassador in Moscow on Wednesday with an overwhelming majority.
Accordingly, the office will take over the experienced diplomat Lynne Tracy in the future.
Biden nominated the diplomat in September after previous ambassador John Sullivan left Russia to retire.
Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Chuck Schumer, said Ambassador Tracy will play a crucial role in defying Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Tracy speaks Russian and has previously worked as an ambassador to Armenia.
Previously, she was senior adviser on Russia in the US State Department's Office of European and Eurasian Affairs and Deputy Ambassador to Moscow, according to the White House.
Selenskyj makes a symbolic gift to Biden during his visit - USA delivers Patriot air defense system to Ukraine
Update from December 21, 9:04 p.m.:
“Mr. President, welcome back.” With these words and a handshake, US President Biden welcomed the Ukrainian President when he arrived at the White House on Wednesday.
He puts an arm around Selenskyj's shoulder.
It is the start of a short trip intended to strengthen relations between the US and Ukraine in the war against Russia.
"It is hard to believe that for 300 days Putin has brutally attacked Ukrainians' right to exist as a nation and launched an attack on innocent Ukrainian citizens for no other reason than intimidation," Biden said at the reception.
According to CNN information, both heads of state then spoke to each other in the White House in the presence of reporters.
"We will continue to strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself, especially air defense, and therefore we will provide Ukraine with Patriot missile batteries," Biden said in the Oval Office.
Zelenskyy presented the US President with a Ukrainian hero award.
He thanked Biden and the US Congress for their support: "Thank you, Mr. President.
Of course, I thank the bipartisan support, thank Congress, and thank ordinary people, Americans.
I really appreciate that," he said.
He refers in particular to the new aid package that was promised to Ukraine shortly before Zelenskyy's arrival.
During a talk at the White House, Zelenskyy presented the US President with a Ukrainian hero award.
© Patrick Semansky/AP/dpa
US President Biden receives Zelenskyj in the White House
Update from December 21, 8:31 p.m .:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj arrived at the White House on Wednesday evening (German time).
He was greeted by Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
Initial photos of the meeting show Zelenskyy in his signature green cargo pants and sweatshirt with a small badge of the Ukrainian coat of arms on it.
"I'm in Washington today to thank the American people, the President and Congress for their much-needed support.
And also to continue cooperation in order to get closer to our victory,” Zelenskyy said in a post on his official Telegram channel.
"I will conduct a series of negotiations to strengthen Ukraine's resilience and defense capabilities.
In particular, we will talk to US President Joseph Biden about bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and the United States of America.
Zelenskyj is received at the White House by US President Joe Biden and the First Lady.
© IMAGO / Allison Bailey
Washington wants to ensure Zelenskyj's safety during visits
Update from December 21, 7:43 p.m .:
Strict security precautions were taken in the United States to allow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj to visit Washington.
A source close to the Ukrainian leader told CNN on Wednesday that some senior government officials and ambassadors to the US were not briefed to minimize the threat from Russia.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy's motorcade was spotted in central Washington in front of the Blair House, the former guest house of the President, which is in close proximity to the White House.
In general, Zelenskyy only decided to travel when significant developments in bilateral relations between Ukraine and the United States became known as a result of the aid package.
Despite the high security precautions, the President is taking a high risk with his visit to the USA.
USA visit: Selenskyj landed in Washington
Update from December 21, 6:59 p.m .:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Washington for his meeting with President Joe Biden and a speech to Congress.
A US official confirmed to the Associated Press that a US Air Force plane carrying the Ukrainian leader has landed at Joint Base Andrews, just outside the capital.
US to deliver Patriot system to Ukraine as part of 1.85 billion aid package
Update from December 21, 6:47 p.m .:
The United States is delivering the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine for the first time as part of a $1.85 billion (around €1.74 billion) aid package.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday before the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukraine could "shoot down cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles and aircraft at a significantly higher altitude than with previously delivered air defense systems".
According to the ministry, this will increase US military aid to Ukraine to “an unprecedented $21.9 billion.”
A US government official had previously said that Biden Zelenskyy would promise to deliver the Patriot system at the White House meeting on Wednesday.
Blinken pointed out that the Ukrainian army still needs to be trained to use this sophisticated device, which will happen "in a third country" and "take some time".
According to media reports, Ukrainian soldiers are to be trained in the use of the Patriot system at the US military training area in Grafenwoehr, Bavaria.
Selenskyj on the way to Washington: Some senators apparently miss a speech
Update from December 21, 6:14 p.m .:
Despite the fact that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj is entering the USA from a war zone, many senators could be missing in his speech to the US Congress in Washington.
As
CNN
reports, the Senate and House of Representatives have yet to vote on a draft $1.7 trillion aid package for Ukraine.
After that, however, some senators are likely to make their way home and miss the speech.
The reason for this is the winter storm that is said to be raging in large parts of the USA.
The senators want to avoid this.
Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin told
CNN
that he didn't know if he could attend.
"I'm struggling with the reality myself of coming home and trying to participate in something like this.
It depends on the Senate schedule more than anything," he told the US broadcaster.
However, he was not involved in the planning of Zelenskyy's visit.
"There was no indication that this would happen," Durbin is quoted as saying.
"And I feel really bad because I admire this man so much, and he comes at a very difficult time."
He is not the only senator who could potentially miss the Ukrainian President's speech due to the weather.
Putin decision with big consequences?
Russia is massively expanding its military in the Ukraine war
Update from December 21, 4:06 p.m .:
Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has announced that the country’s armed forces will be significantly increased in number.
He proposes raising the number of soldiers to 1.5 million, Shoigu said Wednesday at a televised expanded Defense Ministry meeting chaired by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.
This corresponds to an increase of 350,000 soldiers.
The Kremlin chief agreed to the proposals.
In particular, there should be a significant increase in the number of regular soldiers.
Their number is expected to rise to 695,000.
At the same time, the age period during which young men can be drafted as conscripts will be extended.
Shoigu proposes a maximum of 30 years.
Up to now, it has mainly been young men who have been called up after the age of 18 in Russia.
According to Schoigus, all of this serves the necessary expansion of the armed forces because of NATO expansion.
The 67-year-old therefore called for new units to be set up, especially in north-west Russia on the border with the potential new NATO countries Sweden and Finland.
This decision comes as quite a surprise.
Around Monday noon, TASS reported: Valentina
Matviyenko
, Speaker of the Russian House of Lords, did not think a new wave of convocations was necessary and therefore described the rumors as fake news from the West.
This is how they want to provoke dissatisfaction in Russia.
After the partial mobilization was announced, a number of young Russians fled the country.
Russia wants to have a nuclear-capable Sarmat ICBM ready
Update from December 21, 3:39 p.m .:
Despite delays, Russia wants its new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, which can be equipped with nuclear warheads, to be ready for use soon.
"Everything is being implemented," said Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in Moscow at a meeting of the military leadership in the Defense Ministry, which was broadcast on state television.
The President acknowledged that there were "deviations from the schedules".
The missiles (NATO code name: SS-X-30 Satan 2) were originally supposed to be stationed with the armed forces in the fall.
The plans would be fulfilled in any case, stressed Putin.
The missile has a range of 18,000 kilometers and can be equipped with several nuclear warheads.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that 22 launch pads for ICBMs, including the Sarmat, Avantgarde and Jars types, should be put into operation next year.
Three long-range Tupolev Tu-160M bombers, five submarines and twelve warships were also to be put into service.
A frigate is to be equipped with anti-ship missiles of the "Zirkon" type as early as January, which are also said to be able to develop hypersonic speeds.
US President Biden on meeting with Zelenskyy: "There is a lot to discuss"
Update from December 21, 3:10 p.m
.: US President Joe Biden wished his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyj a safe trip to Washington.
"Have a good flight, Volodymyr.
I am very happy that you are coming.
There's a lot to talk about," Biden wrote on Twitter on Wednesday morning (local time).
Zelenskyj is expected on Wednesday afternoon (local time/Wednesday evening CET) for a short visit to the US capital, where he wants to meet Biden and give a speech to the US Congress.
It is his first trip abroad since Russia's war of aggression began on February 24.
Der Kommunikationsdirektor des Nationalen Sicherheitsrats, John Kirby, sagte am Mittwochmorgen im US-Fernsehen, es werde bei dem Gespräch der beiden Präsidenten auch um die Friedensbemühungen der Ukraine gehen. „Ich habe keinen Zweifel daran, dass sie über Selenskyjs Vorstellung von einem gerechten Frieden sprechen werden - und darüber, wie dieser aussehen könnte, was die Bestandteile dieses Friedens sind und wie wir der Ukraine dabei helfen können, diesen zu erreichen“, sagte Kirby.
Offensichtlich sei aber auch, dass Putin im Moment nicht an Diplomatie interessiert sei. „Ganz im Gegenteil. Er ist daran interessiert, noch mehr ukrainische Zivilisten zu töten und den Menschen das Licht und die Heizung abzudrehen, während der Winter naht.“ Die USA müssten also zunächst sicherstellen, dass die Ukraine diejenige Verteidigungshilfe bekomme, die sie benötige.
Putin verschiebt laut Kremlsprecher Peskow weiteren Termin: „Voller Terminkalender“
Update vom 21. Dezember, 12.07 Uhr: Kremlsprecher Peskow hatte auf seiner jüngsten Pressekonferenz noch eine weitere Ankündigung: Putin werde seine Ansprache an die Föderationsversammlung Russlands (auch „Bundesversammlung“ genannt), erst Ende das Jahres halten, sagte Peskow laut der staatlichen Nachrichtenagentur Ria Nowosti. Grund sei der volle Terminkalender des russischen Präsidenten. Erst kürzlich sagte Putin einen anderen traditionellen Termin ab.
Putin-Sprecher zu Selenskyjs USA-Reise: „Verheißt nichts Gutes“
Update vom 21. Dezember, 11.39 Uhr: „Das alles führt zweifellos zu einer Verschärfung des Konflikts und verheißt an sich nichts Gutes für die Ukraine“: Mit diesen Worten hat Kremlsprecher Dmitri Peskow nun auf das geplante Selenskyj-Biden-Treffen sowie die US-amerikanischen Patriot-Lieferungen an Kiew reagiert. Er erwarte nicht, dass der ukrainische Präsident nach seiner USA-Reise verhandlungsbereiter gegenüber Moskau sein werde.
Peskow kritisierte, die Waffenlieferungen würden nicht nur fortgesetzt, sondern um neue Systeme erweitert. Kiew hatte wegen der russischen Raketenangriffe auf die ukrainische Energie-Infrastruktur um weitere Flugabwehrsysteme gebeten. Parallel zu Selenskyjs Flug wird Putin in Moskau eine erweiterte Sitzung des Verteidigungsministeriums leiten. Peskow bestätigte, dass der Kremlchef dabei eine „ziemlich umfangreiche“ Rede halten werde. Inhaltliche Details nannte er jedoch nicht.
Papst Franziskus zu Weihnachten im Ukraine-Krieg: „Kinder tragen die Tragödie“
Update vom 21. Dezember, 11.21 Uhr: „Denken wir an diesem Weihnachtsfest an das ukrainische Volk, das kein Licht, keine Heizung, keine grundlegenden Dinge zum Überleben hat“: Papst Franziskus hat zum Gebet besonders für die Kinder in der Ukraine aufgerufen. „Diese Kinder tragen die Tragödie des Krieges mit sich, der so unmenschlich und hart ist“, sagte das Oberhaupt der katholischen Kirche nun während einer Generalaudienz im Vatikan.
Franziskus betet wöchentlich für die Menschen in dem von Russland angegriffenen Land. Er lobte bei der Audienz außerdem Polen, dessen Bevölkerung den Flüchtlingen aus der Ukraine „die Türen ihrer Häuser mit viel Großzügigkeit“ geöffnet habe.
„Sorge um die Zivilbevölkerung“: Putin bespricht sich mit Besatzungschefs in der Ukraine
Update vom 21. Dezember, 10.10 Uhr: Putin hat erneut die Front-Lage in den russisch besetzten Gebieten Donezk und Luhansk eruiert. Wie schon zuvor hob der Kremlchef die extrem schwierige Lage in den beiden Regionen hervor, wie die staatliche Nachrichtenagentur Tass berichtete.
In der Unterredung mit den Donezker sowie Lugansker Besatzungschefs wollte sich Putin laut Tass zunächst mit „lebenswichtigen Fragen“ der Versorgung der Zivilbevölkerung in den beiden besetzten Gebieten mit Wasser, Heizung und Gesundheitsdiensten befassen, hieß es. „Erst danach werden wir zu Fragen der Sicherheit übergehen.“
Xi spricht über „neue Ära“: Putins Medwedew in China
Update vom 21. Dezember, 9.28 Uhr: Der Zeitpunkt könnte heikler kaum sein: Bevor sich im Laufe des Tages US-Präsident Joe Biden und sein ukrainischer Amtskollege Wolodymyr Selenskyj in Washington treffen werden, fand in Peking eine Begegnung der ganz anderen Art statt – Chinas Präsident Xi Jinping ist heute im Gästehaus der chinesischen Regierung mit Dmitri Medwedew zusammengekommen, dem ehemaligem Präsidenten und Ministerpräsidenten Russlands und derzeitigem Vorsitzenden der Putin-Partei Einiges Russland. Das berichtet die staatliche chinesische Nachrichtenagentur Xinhua.
Xi habe Medwedew gebeten, Putin „seine herzlichen Grüße und guten Wünsche zu übermitteln“. Xi betonte „das gegenseitige politische Vertrauen zwischen China und Russland“ und „die strategische Zusammenarbeit zwischen den beiden Ländern“. Laut Xinhua sagte Xi zudem: „China ist bereit, mit der russischen Seite zusammenzuarbeiten, um die Beziehungen zwischen China und Russland in der neuen Ära voranzubringen und gemeinsam eine gerechtere und vernünftigere Weltordnungspolitik zu fördern.“ Bereits Anfang Februar hatten Xi und Putin bei einem Treffen in Peking ihre Vorstellungen einer neuen internationalen Ordnung, in der die Vormachtstellung der USA gebrochen wird, in einer gemeinsamen Erklärung präsentiert.
In the Ukraine war - which Xi once again simply called a "crisis" - China is actively promoting peace and promoting talks, Xi said.
However, he did not announce any concrete steps.
"It is hoped that all parties concerned will keep common sense and restraint, engage in comprehensive dialogue, and resolve common security concerns through political means," Xi said.
Medvedev said Russia is ready to "solve the pending problems" in Ukraine "through peace talks," according to Xinhua.
He also stressed that Russia wants to work more closely with China "in the areas of trade, economy, energy and agriculture".
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev (L) shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping during a meeting.
© IMAGO/Yekaterina Shtukina/Tass
„Historische Aufgabe“ für Biden? „Überraschungsgast“ Selenskyj reist an
Update vom 21. Dezember, 8.48 Uhr: „Ich bin in die USA abgeflogen, um die Stabilität und Verteidigungsfähigkeit der Ukraine zu stärken“, twitterte Selenskyj nun zu seinem Treffen mit Biden. Der US-Sender CNN nannte die Visite des ukrainischen Präsidenten in Washington einen „Überraschungsbesuch“ und schrieb in einem Meinungsstück: „Dass Selenskyjs erste Auslandsreise seit Kriegsbeginn in die USA führt, unterstreicht auch Bidens historische Aufgabe, die westliche Einigkeit zu stärken, welche einst die Bestrebungen der Sowjetunion im Zaum hielt und die sich aktuell gegen die Expansions-Bestrebungen Moskaus stemmt.“
Die Sicherheitsvorkehrungen für Selenskyjs Besuch seien „außergewöhnlich“ hoch, hieß es bei CNN weiter. Der Sender verwies darauf, dass zum Beispiel bis zuletzt Pelosi die Reise nicht offiziell bestätigen wollte.
Selenskyj im Ukraine-Krieg: Erste Auslandsreise seit Beginn der Gefechte
Erstmeldung vom 21. Dezember: Kiew/Washington – Wolodymyr Selenskyj hat die Ukraine seit Beginn des russischen Angriffskriegs nicht verlassen. Der ukrainische Präsident hat sich aber in zahlreichen Telefonaten und Videokonferenzen mit Staats- und Regierungschefs ausgetauscht. Am Dienstag (20. Dezember) reiste Selenskyj zu einem riskanten Frontbesuch nach Bachmut.
Baldiges Treffen von Selenskyj und Biden? Pelosi bleibt vage
Nun will Selenskyj am Mittwoch (21. Dezember) bei seiner ersten Auslandsreise seit Kriegsbeginn Washington besuchen. Die US-Regierung bestätigte am frühen Mittwochmorgen entsprechende Berichte. US-Präsident Joe Biden will den Angaben zufolge im Zuge des Treffens auch bekannt geben, dass die USA der Ukraine das Patriot-Flugabwehrsystem liefern werden.
Die scheidende Vorsitzende des US-Repräsentantenhauses, Nancy Pelosi, bestätigte die Berichte zunächst nicht gegenüber der Presse. Sie sagte aber, der Besuch eines „absoluten Helden“ wie Selenskyj würde dem US-Kongress „Ehre machen“. Das ukrainische Volk kämpfe im Konflikt gegen Kremlchef Wladimir Putin „für uns alle, für die Demokratie“.
Putin wohl mit „wichtiger Ankündigung“: Kremlchef trifft Militärführung
Meanwhile, Putin wants to take stock and give an outlook on the same day.
The Russian president will chair an expanded meeting of the Defense Ministry, to which 15,000 commanders and other military leaders will be connected via video, the Kremlin said on the previous day.
It is about the results of this year and about tasks and goals for the coming year, it said.
Earlier, Russia's state television reported that Putin would make an important announcement this week.
After numerous defeats in the "military special operation", as it is officially called in Russia, Putin is under pressure.
Hardliners, but also patriotic military experts, are calling for more decisive action by the army in Ukraine.
(AFP/dpa/frs)
