Germany to send field hospital to Ukraine amid 'war' fears
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According to the German Defense Minister, a complete field hospital will be handed over in February to Ukraine, including the necessary training.
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Ukrainian soldiers at a checkpoint near Donetsk (AP)
Germany will deploy a field hospital to Ukraine, according to Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht on Saturday, rejecting Kiev's request for weapon deliveries.
Lambrecht told Welt am Sonntag newspaper that Berlin has already provided respirators to Ukraine and badly injured Ukrainian troops are being treated in Bundeswehr hospitals.
The Minister revealed that "in February, a complete field hospital will be handed over, including the necessary training, all co-financed by Germany with 5.3 million euros ($6.0 million)," confirming that Germany stands on Kiev's side and will "do everything to de-escalate the situation."
She added that an arms delivery would not be helpful citing the consensus within the government.
The West has repeatedly accused Russia of a military buildup on its borders with Ukraine, citing "aggressive action" as the "motive", accusations Moscow repeatedly denied.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously said that Moscow pursues a peaceful foreign policy but has the right to defend its security in the medium and long terms.
Lambrecht mirrored western allies by saying Moscow's demand to decide which state joins NATO is a "red line".
"There is no Russian veto-right for membership to NATO. Every sovereign nation that shares our values is free to apply for membership. But beyond this red line, there is readiness from the West to speak with Russia and to take its interests into account," she said.
US sends 90,7 tons of lethal aid to Ukraine
Earlier on Friday, the US delivered 90,7 tonnes of lethal aid to Ukraine in a new "military assistance initiative" overseen by US President Joe Biden.
The US Department of State announced on Tuesday that it will continue to provide military support to Ukraine, with fresh supplies anticipated to arrive in the coming weeks. On Wednesday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced that his country calls on the United States to stop arms supplies to Ukraine, stressing that this is a direct threat to Russia.
On Monday, the United Kingdom said that it has delivered anti-tank weapons to Ukraine to aid in self-defense in the event of an invasion. Ukraine has also received military aid from the United States, including arms and training.
