Peskov predicted negative consequences in the event of the transfer of tanks to Kyiv

The possible sending of heavy tanks to Ukraine would have negative consequences. At the same time, arms deliveries will not fundamentally change the situation, but they will “add problems” for Ukraine. This statement was made by the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov.

“The consequences will be with a minus sign, definitely. We have repeatedly said that such supplies will not be able to fundamentally change anything, but they will add problems for Ukraine, for the Ukrainian people, ”he said, urging not to exaggerate the significance of such a decision.

Peskov recalled that the tanks needed maintenance and repair. According to him, the West “is aware of all the problems.” The Kremlin spokesman stressed that these weapons would not affect the advancement of Russian troops and the achievement of the goals of the special operation.

Peskov was also asked to comment on the Pentagon’s statement about working with Latin American countries on the transfer of Russian weapons to Ukraine in exchange for supplies of American equipment. The press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation noted that Moscow would “closely monitor” this process.

On January 20, at the Ramstein airbase in Germany, a meeting of Western defense ministers is being held, at which, among other things, the issue of transferring Leopard tanks to Kyiv will be discussed.

Since spring, Ukraine has been demanding the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks from Germany, but Kyiv has been denied this in Berlin. According to CNN, on January 19, US and German defense secretaries Lloyd Austin and Boris Pistorius failed to reach an agreement on this issue. At the same time, pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz intensified after the UK announced the delivery of four Challenger 2 tanks to Kyiv, wrote Politico newspaper.

In addition, The New York Times reported at the end of December 2022 that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked Washington for Abrams tanks, but the Pentagon refused him. In Germany, they insist that they will supply tanks to Ukraine only if Washington does the same, told CNN sources.