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Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv’s western allies might have finally answered the country’s long standing call to supply modern battle tanks. On late Saturday (January 14), the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office said that Britain would be sending 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with some other artillery to support Ukraine. This comes after the UK PM and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephonic conversation during which Sunak confirmed that he would send tanks and additional weapons to Kyiv. Meanwhile, Germany for weeks has been considering sending tanks amid growing pressure from France and Poland.&nbsp;

UK to send 14 tanks and weapons to Ukraine

The announcement was made by UK PM Sunak’s office after the two leaders spoke, late Saturday, “As the people of Ukraine approach their second year living under relentless Russian bombardment, the Prime Minister is dedicated to ensuring Ukraine wins this war,” said the British prime minister’s office, in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-special-military-operation-in-ukraine-showing-positive-trend-552863">Putin says special military operation in Ukraine showing positive trend</a>

In the upcoming weeks, the UK is planning to send a squadron of 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with 30 self-propelled AS90 guns which would be operated by five gunners. Furthermore, Britain will also train Ukrainian army personnel on how to use the tanks as well as the guns.&nbsp;

This comes after the British PM highlighted the country’s “ambition to intensify our support to Ukraine”, as per a readout of a phone call with Zelensky. According to Sunak’s office, he believes a “long and static war only serves Russia’s interests”. It added, “UK defence and security officials believe a window has opened up where Russia is on the backfoot due to resupply issues and plummeting morale.”

Additionally, the UK PM believes that the British Army’s main battle tank would help Ukrainian forces “push Russian troops back”. Notably, this move now makes Britain the first western country to supply Kyiv with heavy tanks which it has sought for some time now including US main battle tank M1 Abrams and German Leopard 2 tanks.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sunak-indicates-uk-to-send-battle-tanks-artillery-to-ukraine-552655/amp">PM Rishi Sunak promises UK will supply battle tanks, artillery to Ukraine</a>

After the conversation and announcement, Zelensky took to Twitter and thanked the UK PM for his decision to send the tanks and said, “that will not only strengthen us on the battlefield but also send the right signal to other partners.” He also spoke about how UK’s support was “always strong" and was “now impenetrable”.&nbsp;

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Always strong support of the UK is now impenetrable and ready for challenges. In a conversation with the Prime Minister, <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishiSunak</a>, I thanked for the decisions that will not only strengthen us on the battlefield, but also send the right signal to other partners.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1614219544335114242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Earlier this week, Sunak’s office also spoke about coordinating efforts with allies Germany, France and the United States as they are among the countries who have also indicated that they would be willing to send armoured vehicles to Ukraine.&nbsp;

How has Russia responded to the UK's announcement?&nbsp;

The announcement received a swift response from the Russian Embassy in London which said that sending tanks to Ukraine would be evidence of the “increasingly obvious involvement of London in the conflict” as well as “intensify” the conflict and lead to more casualties including civilians.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-praises-wagner-forces-ukraine-denies-moscows-claim-of-soledar-liberation-552470">Russia praises Wagner forces, Ukraine denies Moscow's claim of Soledar 'liberation'</a>

According to the Russian news agency TASS, the embassy said, “As for the Challenger 2 tanks, they are unlikely to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine turn the tide on the battlefield, but they will become a legitimate large target for the Russian artillery.” Similarly, in response to the UK's decision to send Challenger tanks, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterated her response that “weapons supplies are legitimate targets for Russian strikes.”&nbsp;

What are Challenger 2 tanks?

According to the British Army, Challenger 2 is a battle tank designed to attack other tanks and has been in service since 1994. It was deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq, reported Reuters. While they are over two decades old they will be the most modern tank at Ukraine's disposal amid the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;

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The Challenger 2 is a 64-tonne main battle tank, built by British Aerospace Systems in the 1990s and has a maximum speed ranging from 40 km/hour to 59 km/hour which can cover a distance of 250 km to 450 km. It can also carry a four-member crew with a commander, gunner, loader and driver and is armed with a 120mm rifled tank gun, Boeing 7.62mm chain gun, a 7.62 mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and L37A2 anti-air machine gun, reported Al Jazeera.

Germany under pressure

Earlier this month, Berlin agreed to supply Ukraine with Marder infantry fighting vehicles as well as the Patriot air system. However, there has been mounting pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to authorise the re-export of modern battle tanks to Kyiv. However, Scholz previously said that such a move would have to be coordinated with the entire Western alliance, including the US.&nbsp;

Furthermore, reports suggest that the German Chancellor has been reluctant to send battle tanks as he does not want to act alone while some western leaders are being cautious about the aid and weapons they send to Ukraine as their response can be viewed as an escalation or provocation by Russia. So far, Kyiv’s allies like Poland and the Czech Republic have only been willing to send the country Soviet-era T-72 tanks.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-pushes-for-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-549802">Turkey pushes for Russia- Ukraine peace talks</a>

According to estimates by the European Council on Foreign Relations, there are nearly 2,000 Leopard tanks in Europe. “The Ukrainians really want the Leopards because there are lots in stock across Europe,” said a French official familiar with the discussions to Politico.&nbsp;

Germany’s support is seen as crucial being one of the biggest economies in the EU and also because while 13 European countries are reportedly in possession of Leopard 2 tanks including Poland, France, and Finland they need Berlin’s authorisation to re-export the procured tanks. Since the Leopards are being produced by Munich-based defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann their delivery to Ukraine would require the authorisation of the country of origin which in this case is Germany.&nbsp;

However, on Thursday, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, said that Berlin should not block any countries from re-exporting Leopard tanks. “Germany should not stand in the way of other countries taking decisions to support Ukraine, independent of which decisions Germany takes,” said Habeck, on the sidelines of the Greens party meeting in Berlin. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-we-know-about-ukraines-deadliest-attack-on-russia-since-the-conflict-began-549499">Explained: What we know about Ukraine’s deadliest attack on Russia since the conflict began</a>

Additionally, German deputy government spokeswoman, Christiane Hoffmann, addressing a press conference, said that Berlin has not received a formal request from either Poland or Finland but also said that sending the tanks without their approval would be “illegal”.&nbsp;

Germany is still in the midst of considering the right thing to do and how to best support Ukraine, Hoffmann added. Last week, the Berlin government spokesperson also stressed that one of the key goals for the country is to not become an active part of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-missiles-hit-ukrainian-capital-more-attacks-expected-elsewhere-552596">Russian missiles strike several Ukrainian cities, 25 killed, 43 missing</a> 
 
A report by Bloomberg citing two officials familiar with the German government’s thinking said that they believe that Berlin will likely decide to supply the Leopards to Ukraine. The report, citing a German official familiar with the matter, also claims that the country will make a decision before an upcoming meeting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his German counterpart Christine Lambrecht at the American airbase in Ramstein scheduled for later this month.&nbsp;

What about other European nations?

The President of Poland, Andrzej Duda had earlier indicated that while they are ready to send Leopard tanks to Kyiv it would only be possible under a larger international coalition of tank aid to Ukraine. According to the German institute Kiel’s Ukraine Support Tracker, Poland has already sent at least 200 Soviet-style tanks, while countries like UK, France and Poland have also given a total of $12 billion as&nbsp;military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-did-nato-push-ukraine-into-war-459651">Gravitas Plus: Did NATO push Ukraine into war?</a>

Earlier this month, France said that it would send its AMX-10 RC armoured combat vehicles which are deemed “light tanks” in Paris to Ukraine. Subsequently, the US agreed to send its Bradley fighting vehicles while Germany announced it would send its Marder armoured personnel carriers for the first time since the conflict began almost a year ago.&nbsp;

What is happening at NATO?

A report by CNN, citing western officials, says that the decision of sending more tanks by some countries but not by others was part of a broader assessment of the on-ground situation in Ukraine while NATO allies in recent weeks have been deciding the best course of action in providing specific types of assistance be it military or money.&nbsp;

There are also growing concerns about Western stocks of such weapons as Ukrainians have understandably been burning through ammunition at an astonishing rate, said NPR’s Frank Langfitt, reporting from Brussels, on Thursday.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-we-shouldnt-underestimate-russia-551140">NATO Chief: 'We shouldn't underestimate Russia'</a>

He also spoke about how every ambassador that he interacted with was worried about this as there was no demand or market for these kinds of heavy weapons and “nobody here saw a major land war coming. So now, NATO allies, they’re meeting with arms makers.”&nbsp;

Therefore, even NATO countries are trying to ramp up manufacturing and weapons supplies amid the unprecedented rise in demand. So far, several reports have suggested that as the conflict is nearing the one-year mark it is entering a new phase and Ukraine could witness major attacks from Russia.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-happening-in-the-ukrainian-city-of-soledar-551528">Explained: What is happening in the Ukrainian city of Soledar?</a> 
 
Meanwhile, Germany remains concerned about causing further provocations against Moscow, European officials have argued that they have shared enough weapons and intelligence which has significantly benefited Kyiv. Therefore, sending tanks cannot be that big an escalation, regardless of what Russia might say about the move, reported CNN.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv’s western allies might have finally answered the country’s long standing call to supply modern battle tanks. On late Saturday (January 14), the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office said that Britain would be sending 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with some other artillery to support Ukraine.

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv’s western allies might have finally answered the country’s long standing call to supply modern battle tanks. On late Saturday (January 14), the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office said that Britain would be sending 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with some other artillery to support Ukraine. This comes after the UK PM and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephonic conversation during which Sunak confirmed that he would send tanks and additional weapons to Kyiv. Meanwhile, Germany for weeks has been considering sending tanks amid growing pressure from France and Poland. UK to send 14 tanks and weapons to Ukraine The announcement was made by UK PM Sunak’s office after the two leaders spoke, late Saturday, “As the people of Ukraine approach their second year living under relentless Russian bombardment, the Prime Minister is dedicated to ensuring Ukraine wins this war,” said the British prime minister’s office, in a statement. ALSO READ | Putin says special military operation in Ukraine showing positive trend In the upcoming weeks, the UK is planning to send a squadron of 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with 30 self-propelled AS90 guns which would be operated by five gunners. Furthermore, Britain will also train Ukrainian army personnel on how to use the tanks as well as the guns. This comes after the British PM highlighted the country’s “ambition to intensify our support to Ukraine”, as per a readout of a phone call with Zelensky. According to Sunak’s office, he believes a “long and static war only serves Russia’s interests”. It added, “UK defence and security officials believe a window has opened up where Russia is on the backfoot due to resupply issues and plummeting morale.” Additionally, the UK PM believes that the British Army’s main battle tank would help Ukrainian forces “push Russian troops back”. Notably, this move now makes Britain the first western country to supply Kyiv with heavy tanks which it has sought for some time now including US main battle tank M1 Abrams and German Leopard 2 tanks. ALSO READ | PM Rishi Sunak promises UK will supply battle tanks, artillery to Ukraine After the conversation and announcement, Zelensky took to Twitter and thanked the UK PM for his decision to send the tanks and said, “that will not only strengthen us on the battlefield but also send the right signal to other partners.” He also spoke about how UK’s support was “always strong" and was “now impenetrable”. Always strong support of the UK is now impenetrable and ready for challenges. In a conversation with the Prime Minister, @RishiSunak, I thanked for the decisions that will not only strengthen us on the battlefield, but also send the right signal to other partners. — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 14, 2023 × Earlier this week, Sunak’s office also spoke about coordinating efforts with allies Germany, France and the United States as they are among the countries who have also indicated that they would be willing to send armoured vehicles to Ukraine. How has Russia responded to the UK's announcement? The announcement received a swift response from the Russian Embassy in London which said that sending tanks to Ukraine would be evidence of the “increasingly obvious involvement of London in the conflict” as well as “intensify” the conflict and lead to more casualties including civilians. ALSO READ | Russia praises Wagner forces, Ukraine denies Moscow's claim of Soledar 'liberation' According to the Russian news agency TASS, the embassy said, “As for the Challenger 2 tanks, they are unlikely to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine turn the tide on the battlefield, but they will become a legitimate large target for the Russian artillery.” Similarly, in response to the UK's decision to send Challenger tanks, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterated her response that “weapons supplies are legitimate targets for Russian strikes.” What are Challenger 2 tanks? According to the British Army, Challenger 2 is a battle tank designed to attack other tanks and has been in service since 1994. It was deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq, reported Reuters. While they are over two decades old they will be the most modern tank at Ukraine's disposal amid the ongoing conflict. ALSO READ | Ukraine alleges Russia cancelled scheduled prisoner exchange at the last minute The Challenger 2 is a 64-tonne main battle tank, built by British Aerospace Systems in the 1990s and has a maximum speed ranging from 40 km/hour to 59 km/hour which can cover a distance of 250 km to 450 km. It can also carry a four-member crew with a commander, gunner, loader and driver and is armed with a 120mm rifled tank gun, Boeing 7.62mm chain gun, a 7.62 mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and L37A2 anti-air machine gun, reported Al Jazeera. Germany under pressure Earlier this month, Berlin agreed to supply Ukraine with Marder infantry fighting vehicles as well as the Patriot air system. However, there has been mounting pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to authorise the re-export of modern battle tanks to Kyiv. However, Scholz previously said that such a move would have to be coordinated with the entire Western alliance, including the US. Furthermore, reports suggest that the German Chancellor has been reluctant to send battle tanks as he does not want to act alone while some western leaders are being cautious about the aid and weapons they send to Ukraine as their response can be viewed as an escalation or provocation by Russia. So far, Kyiv’s allies like Poland and the Czech Republic have only been willing to send the country Soviet-era T-72 tanks. ALSO WATCH | Turkey pushes for Russia- Ukraine peace talks According to estimates by the European Council on Foreign Relations, there are nearly 2,000 Leopard tanks in Europe. “The Ukrainians really want the Leopards because there are lots in stock across Europe,” said a French official familiar with the discussions to Politico. Germany’s support is seen as crucial being one of the biggest economies in the EU and also because while 13 European countries are reportedly in possession of Leopard 2 tanks including Poland, France, and Finland they need Berlin’s authorisation to re-export the procured tanks. Since the Leopards are being produced by Munich-based defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann their delivery to Ukraine would require the authorisation of the country of origin which in this case is Germany. However, on Thursday, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, said that Berlin should not block any countries from re-exporting Leopard tanks. “Germany should not stand in the way of other countries taking decisions to support Ukraine, independent of which decisions Germany takes,” said Habeck, on the sidelines of the Greens party meeting in Berlin. ALSO READ | Explained: What we know about Ukraine’s deadliest attack on Russia since the conflict began Additionally, German deputy government spokeswoman, Christiane Hoffmann, addressing a press conference, said that Berlin has not received a formal request from either Poland or Finland but also said that sending the tanks without their approval would be “illegal”. Germany is still in the midst of considering the right thing to do and how to best support Ukraine, Hoffmann added. Last week, the Berlin government spokesperson also stressed that one of the key goals for the country is to not become an active part of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. ALSO READ | Russian missiles strike several Ukrainian cities, 25 killed, 43 missing A report by Bloomberg citing two officials familiar with the German government’s thinking said that they believe that Berlin will likely decide to supply the Leopards to Ukraine. The report, citing a German official familiar with the matter, also claims that the country will make a decision before an upcoming meeting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his German counterpart Christine Lambrecht at the American airbase in Ramstein scheduled for later this month. What about other European nations? The President of Poland, Andrzej Duda had earlier indicated that while they are ready to send Leopard tanks to Kyiv it would only be possible under a larger international coalition of tank aid to Ukraine. According to the German institute Kiel’s Ukraine Support Tracker, Poland has already sent at least 200 Soviet-style tanks, while countries like UK, France and Poland have also given a total of $12 billion as military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Did NATO push Ukraine into war? Earlier this month, France said that it would send its AMX-10 RC armoured combat vehicles which are deemed “light tanks” in Paris to Ukraine. Subsequently, the US agreed to send its Bradley fighting vehicles while Germany announced it would send its Marder armoured personnel carriers for the first time since the conflict began almost a year ago. What is happening at NATO? A report by CNN, citing western officials, says that the decision of sending more tanks by some countries but not by others was part of a broader assessment of the on-ground situation in Ukraine while NATO allies in recent weeks have been deciding the best course of action in providing specific types of assistance be it military or money. There are also growing concerns about Western stocks of such weapons as Ukrainians have understandably been burning through ammunition at an astonishing rate, said NPR’s Frank Langfitt, reporting from Brussels, on Thursday. ALSO WATCH | NATO Chief: 'We shouldn't underestimate Russia' He also spoke about how every ambassador that he interacted with was worried about this as there was no demand or market for these kinds of heavy weapons and “nobody here saw a major land war coming. So now, NATO allies, they’re meeting with arms makers.” Therefore, even NATO countries are trying to ramp up manufacturing and weapons supplies amid the unprecedented rise in demand. So far, several reports have suggested that as the conflict is nearing the one-year mark it is entering a new phase and Ukraine could witness major attacks from Russia. ALSO READ | Explained: What is happening in the Ukrainian city of Soledar? Meanwhile, Germany remains concerned about causing further provocations against Moscow, European officials have argued that they have shared enough weapons and intelligence which has significantly benefited Kyiv. Therefore, sending tanks cannot be that big an escalation, regardless of what Russia might say about the move, reported CNN. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Are European allies planning to send tanks to Ukraine?

According to a police estimate, over 6,000 protestors, including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, marched through mud and rain on Saturday to the German village of Luetzerath to voice their opposition to the expansion of an opencast lignite mine.

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Germany and the US have decided to send armoured combat vehicles to Ukraine, the White House said on Thursday.&nbsp;The&nbsp;decision was made during a joint German-U.S. statement after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with US President Joe Biden.

This comes after Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky urgently sought an upgrade in armament to fight off Russia's invasion, Al Jazeera reported. While Germany is deploying Marder infantry fighting vehicles and will join the US in sending a Patriot missile battery to Kyiv, the US has agreed to provide Bradley fighting vehicles to Ukraine.&nbsp;

“In late December, the United States announced its donation of a Patriot air defence missile battery to Ukraine. Germany will join the United States in supplying an additional Patriot air defence battery to Ukraine,” the statement read.

According to a report by Reuters, the US planned on sending about 50 Bradleys built by BAE Systems Plc to Ukraine. The German government, however, did not state when or how many Marder APCs will be delivered, but added that&nbsp;the country will also train the Ukraine forces to operate them.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-is-the-western-press-asking-same-agenda-driven-motivated-questions-462899" hreflang="en">'Give Ukraine weapons': Is the western press asking same, agenda-driven, motivated questions?</a>

“The United States intends to supply Ukraine with Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and Germany intends to provide Ukraine with Marder infantry fighting vehicles. Both countries plan to train Ukrainian forces on the respective systems,” the statement further said.

Scholz had been reluctant to give Ukraine heavy weapons out of concern that it may involve&nbsp;North Atlantic Treaty Organization&nbsp;(NATO)&nbsp;in the conflict. The deliveries represent a substantial change in his position.

The move comes after French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to supply AMX-10s "tank killers" to Ukraine. According to the French presidency, the Ukrainian military will receive one of these Western-made wheeled tank destroyers for the first time.

Watch | France pledges armoured vehicles to Ukraine

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Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly urged European and NATO powers to provide heavier weapons for their combat mission.

Several countries have time and again slammed Russia and risen in support of Ukraine, providing the country with the required financial and military aid in its fight against the Russian invasion that began on February 24, last year.&nbsp;

“President Biden and Chancellor Scholz expressed their common determination to continue to provide the necessary financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine for as long as needed,” the leaders said in the joint statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Germany and the US have decided to send armoured combat vehicles to Ukraine, the White House said on Thursday. The decision was made during a joint German-U.S. statement after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with US President Joe Biden.

Germany and the US have decided to send armoured combat vehicles to Ukraine, the White House said on Thursday. The decision was made during a joint German-U.S. statement after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with US President Joe Biden. This comes after Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky urgently sought an upgrade in armament to fight off Russia's invasion, Al Jazeera reported. While Germany is deploying Marder infantry fighting vehicles and will join the US in sending a Patriot missile battery to Kyiv, the US has agreed to provide Bradley fighting vehicles to Ukraine. “In late December, the United States announced its donation of a Patriot air defence missile battery to Ukraine. Germany will join the United States in supplying an additional Patriot air defence battery to Ukraine,” the statement read. According to a report by Reuters, the US planned on sending about 50 Bradleys built by BAE Systems Plc to Ukraine. The German government, however, did not state when or how many Marder APCs will be delivered, but added that the country will also train the Ukraine forces to operate them. Also Read | 'Give Ukraine weapons': Is the western press asking same, agenda-driven, motivated questions? “The United States intends to supply Ukraine with Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and Germany intends to provide Ukraine with Marder infantry fighting vehicles. Both countries plan to train Ukrainian forces on the respective systems,” the statement further said. Scholz had been reluctant to give Ukraine heavy weapons out of concern that it may involve North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the conflict. The deliveries represent a substantial change in his position. The move comes after French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to supply AMX-10s "tank killers" to Ukraine. According to the French presidency, the Ukrainian military will receive one of these Western-made wheeled tank destroyers for the first time. Watch | France pledges armoured vehicles to Ukraine Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly urged European and NATO powers to provide heavier weapons for their combat mission. Several countries have time and again slammed Russia and risen in support of Ukraine, providing the country with the required financial and military aid in its fight against the Russian invasion that began on February 24, last year. “President Biden and Chancellor Scholz expressed their common determination to continue to provide the necessary financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine for as long as needed,” the leaders said in the joint statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany, US to supply armoured combat vehicles to Ukraine

Germany's high-ranking parliamentary delegation announced that they will be visiting Taiwan on Sunday, ahead of the ministerial visit scheduled later this year that can escalate tensions with China.&nbsp;&nbsp;Free Democratic Party's (FDP) Johannes Vogel shared a picture of him and his party colleague Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann travelling on the plane to Taiwan.&nbsp;

Head of the parliamentary defence committee Strack-Zimmermann said that their visit is a way of showing "solidarity" with Taiwan, which the Chinese government claims to be part of their territory.&nbsp;

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As per the sources, the trip will be followed by German Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger's visit to Taiwan.&nbsp;

This will be the first official visit of a German cabinet member in 26 years. The delegation is set to hold talks with the Taiwanese government's representatives as well as the opposition party along with business leaders, military officials and human rights organisations during their visit, said Strack-Zimmermann said before the trip.&nbsp;

The diplomatic overtures of Berlin to Taiwan may escalate tensions with Beijing.&nbsp;

China's President Xi Jinping has clearly stated that the "reunification" of Taiwan cannot be handed over to future generations.

WATCH | Here's how Norway &amp; Germany plan to wean off Germany’s reliance on Russian gas

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heres-how-norway-germany-plan-to-wean-off-germanys-reliance-on-russian-gas-550321/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Last year, tensions had escalated and&nbsp;military pressure was ramped up by Beijing in the wake of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in August.&nbsp;

China has always criticised any official exchanges with the leaders of Taiwan and has expressed its anger over the increasing visits of Western politicians to the country.&nbsp;

In August, the presence of the German air force was boosted in the Indo-Pacific with 13 military aircraft's deployment, almost a year after a frigate was dispatched to the region in two decades.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Germany's high-ranking parliamentary delegation announced that they will be visiting Taiwan on Sunday, ahead of the ministerial visit scheduled later this year that can escalate tensions with China.

Germany's high-ranking parliamentary delegation announced that they will be visiting Taiwan on Sunday, ahead of the ministerial visit scheduled later this year that can escalate tensions with China. Free Democratic Party's (FDP) Johannes Vogel shared a picture of him and his party colleague Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann travelling on the plane to Taiwan. Head of the parliamentary defence committee Strack-Zimmermann said that their visit is a way of showing "solidarity" with Taiwan, which the Chinese government claims to be part of their territory. ALSO READ| Former right-wing MP among 25 detained in Germany for plot to ‘overthrow state’ As per the sources, the trip will be followed by German Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger's visit to Taiwan. This will be the first official visit of a German cabinet member in 26 years. The delegation is set to hold talks with the Taiwanese government's representatives as well as the opposition party along with business leaders, military officials and human rights organisations during their visit, said Strack-Zimmermann said before the trip. The diplomatic overtures of Berlin to Taiwan may escalate tensions with Beijing. China's President Xi Jinping has clearly stated that the "reunification" of Taiwan cannot be handed over to future generations. WATCH | Here's how Norway & Germany plan to wean off Germany’s reliance on Russian gas Last year, tensions had escalated and military pressure was ramped up by Beijing in the wake of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in August. China has always criticised any official exchanges with the leaders of Taiwan and has expressed its anger over the increasing visits of Western politicians to the country. In August, the presence of the German air force was boosted in the Indo-Pacific with 13 military aircraft's deployment, almost a year after a frigate was dispatched to the region in two decades. (With inputs from agencies)

Delegation of German MPs visits Taiwan ahead of cabinet minister’s visit

A 32-year-old Iranian man was arrested in western Germany on suspicion of planning an attack with deadly chemicals, according to police officials on Sunday (January 8).

A 32-year-old Iranian man was arrested in western Germany on suspicion of planning an attack with deadly chemicals, according to police officials on Sunday (January 8). An official statement said the police officers searched a residence in the Castrop-Rauxel town for "toxic substances" intended to carry out an attack. Several days back, authorities were tipped off about an attack with a chemical bomb by a foreign intelligence service, a report by Bild said. ALSO READ | Security concerns raised after Chinese tracking device found in UK govt car: Report A report by the news agency AFP, citing local media, said raids at the residence in Castrop-Rauxel were carried out by agents dressed in protective suits. A 32-year-old Iranian man has been arrested from the Castrop-Rauxel town, northwest of Dortmund in Germany on suspicion of planning an attack with deadly chemicals, officials said Sunday. They added that the man is suspected to have planned an attack motivated by Islamic extremism, for which he had obtained the potent toxins cyanide and ricin. The Iranian man, who was arrested shortly before Saturday midnight, was "suspected of having prepared a serious act of violence threatening the security of the state by obtaining cyanide and ricin with a view to committing an Islamist attack," investigators said on Sunday. Ricin, a highly toxic substance, is classified as a chemical weapon in Germany. It can cause death within 36 to 72 hours of exposure, depending on the route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or injection) and the dose received, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ALSO READ | Wikipedia denies claim that Saudi govt ‘infiltrated’ its team in Gulf The police, meanwhile, said the Iranian man will be presented to an investigating judge in the coming days ahead of possible pre-trial detention. The police also said that another person, said to be the man's brother, has been taken into custody, the AFP report said. Back in 2018, a Tunisian couple was arrested by German authorities on suspicion of planning a biological bomb attack in the country. The couple, who were sympathisers of the Islamic state, possessed 84 milligrams of Ricin in their apartment in Cologne. The man and the woman were sentenced to 10 and eight years imprisonment respectively. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Germany: Iranian man, suspected of chemical attack plot, arrested

Norway and Germany on Thursday (January 5) signed joint declarations to increase the production of renewable energy and develop green industry, as the NATO allies seek to both cut their CO2 emissions and wean Germany from its reliance on Russian gas.

Here's how Norway & Germany plan to wean off Germany’s reliance on Russian gas

Leaders of the European Union's two biggest economies, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor&nbsp;Olaf Scholz, will visit India in the first quarter of 2023. While the German chancellor is expected to be in Delhi in February, the French President will be in the Indian national capital in March.&nbsp;The bilateral visits will be in addition to visits in September to participate in the G20 summit in Delhi.

Talks are underway to firm up the key outcomes from the visit, even as the focus has been to increase economic engagement, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Remember, both France &amp; Germany have issued policy statements on the Indo-Pacific in which ties with India have been key.&nbsp;

Ahead of the French President's visit, likely to take place in March, his diplomatic&nbsp;adviser&nbsp; Emmanuel Bonne was in Delhi on Thursday. He took part in the 36th Indo-French strategic dialogue with India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, met EAM Dr S Jaishankar and called on PM Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

A French readout said that his focus&nbsp;during the one-day Delhi visit was&nbsp;defence and security cooperation, the Russia-Ukraine conflict,&nbsp;cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, counter-terrorism cooperation, cyber-security, space, and civil nuclear energy.&nbsp;Ahead of Macron's visit, both sides have also been discussing ways to speed up the setting up of the civilian nuclear power reactors at Jaitapur, Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-pope-benedicts-funeral-begins-pope-francis-leads-proceedings-549648">Former Pope Benedict XVI laid to rest in solemn burial at Vatican</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron last visited India in March, 2018 during which he also visited Agra, Mirzapur and Varanasi other than holding key talks in Delhi. That time, in&nbsp; addition to the visit joint statements, "Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region” and the "India-France Joint Vision for Space Cooperation” were also issued.

When it comes to the German Chancellor's visit, this will be his first India visit since taking charge in December 2021. PM Modi visited Germany twice last year, first on a bilateral visit, then to attend the G7 summit. During the bilateral visit in March 2022, PM attended the&nbsp;6th Intergovernmental Consultations.&nbsp;A total of 14 agreements were signed in diverse fields such as green partnership, development cooperation, renewable energy, migration and mobility etc., after the key talks in Berlin.&nbsp;

Prime Minister and Chancellor also signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on a Green and Sustainable Development Partnership. Germany and India support each other on UNSC expansion within the framework of the G4. The last meeting of the G4 was held at the level of Foreign Ministers on the side-lines of the 77th&nbsp;UNGA in September 2022.

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Leaders of the European Union's two biggest economies, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, will visit India in the first quarter of 2023.

Leaders of the European Union's two biggest economies, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, will visit India in the first quarter of 2023. While the German chancellor is expected to be in Delhi in February, the French President will be in the Indian national capital in March. The bilateral visits will be in addition to visits in September to participate in the G20 summit in Delhi. Talks are underway to firm up the key outcomes from the visit, even as the focus has been to increase economic engagement, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Remember, both France & Germany have issued policy statements on the Indo-Pacific in which ties with India have been key. Ahead of the French President's visit, likely to take place in March, his diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne was in Delhi on Thursday. He took part in the 36th Indo-French strategic dialogue with India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, met EAM Dr S Jaishankar and called on PM Narendra Modi. A French readout said that his focus during the one-day Delhi visit was defence and security cooperation, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, counter-terrorism cooperation, cyber-security, space, and civil nuclear energy. Ahead of Macron's visit, both sides have also been discussing ways to speed up the setting up of the civilian nuclear power reactors at Jaitapur, Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Also read | Former Pope Benedict XVI laid to rest in solemn burial at Vatican French President Emmanuel Macron last visited India in March, 2018 during which he also visited Agra, Mirzapur and Varanasi other than holding key talks in Delhi. That time, in addition to the visit joint statements, "Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region” and the "India-France Joint Vision for Space Cooperation” were also issued. When it comes to the German Chancellor's visit, this will be his first India visit since taking charge in December 2021. PM Modi visited Germany twice last year, first on a bilateral visit, then to attend the G7 summit. During the bilateral visit in March 2022, PM attended the 6th Intergovernmental Consultations. A total of 14 agreements were signed in diverse fields such as green partnership, development cooperation, renewable energy, migration and mobility etc., after the key talks in Berlin. Prime Minister and Chancellor also signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on a Green and Sustainable Development Partnership. Germany and India support each other on UNSC expansion within the framework of the G4. The last meeting of the G4 was held at the level of Foreign Ministers on the side-lines of the 77th UNGA in September 2022.

German Chancellor Scholz to visit India in February, French President Macron in March

The German government said on Thursday (January 5) that it will ask arrivals from China for a negative Covid test report amid fears of a spike in infections. In a statement, German health minister Karl Lauterbach said that passengers arriving from China will be required to show at least a negative rapid antigen test report to enter Germany, news agency AFP reported. It is not yet specified when this rule will come into place.&nbsp;

Lauterbach said the authorities would also carry out random spot checks to identify Covid variants and wastewater tests for journeys from China. The health minister also pointed out that Germany would change its entry requirements at a short notice, following a recommendation by European Union (EU) experts to tighten travel rules.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-covid-test-needed-for-travellers-from-china-says-thailand-549683">No Covid test needed for travellers from China, says Thailand</a>

Germany had earlier not imposed any restrictions on Chinese travellers despite other European countries such as France, Italy and the United Kingdom (UK) doing so.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/current-covid-wave-from-china-must-be-taken-very-very-seriously-germany-549455">foreign minister Annalena Baerbock </a>said that the current Covid wave from China must be taken "very very" seriously while highlighting Beijing hardly released any details (regarding the pandemic).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Germans living in China started receiving the BioNTech vaccine against Covid on Thursday, the first such rollout of a foreign vaccine in China which has not approved the use of non-Chinese vaccines despite the massive surge in infections.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/take-just-position-on-covid-china-urges-who-after-virus-data-criticism-549707">Take 'just position' on Covid: China urges WHO after virus data criticism</a>

As per an official agreement during chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to Beijing in November 2022, Germans aged 12 and older may receive their first dose or a booster of the BioNTech vaccine at designated international hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Guangzhou or Chengdu, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the German foreign ministry said over 8,000 doses of the vaccine were shipped to China and over 1,500 people registered their interest. The ministry added that German officials were trying to expand the offer (to administer BioNTech vaccines) to other nationalities as well.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The German government said on Thursday (January 5) that it will ask arrivals from China for a negative Covid test report amid fears of a spike in infections. In a statement, German health minister Karl Lauterbach said that passengers arriving from China will be required to show at least a negative rapid antigen test report to enter Germany, news agency AFP reported.

The German government said on Thursday (January 5) that it will ask arrivals from China for a negative Covid test report amid fears of a spike in infections. In a statement, German health minister Karl Lauterbach said that passengers arriving from China will be required to show at least a negative rapid antigen test report to enter Germany, news agency AFP reported. It is not yet specified when this rule will come into place. Lauterbach said the authorities would also carry out random spot checks to identify Covid variants and wastewater tests for journeys from China. The health minister also pointed out that Germany would change its entry requirements at a short notice, following a recommendation by European Union (EU) experts to tighten travel rules. ALSO READ | No Covid test needed for travellers from China, says Thailand Germany had earlier not imposed any restrictions on Chinese travellers despite other European countries such as France, Italy and the United Kingdom (UK) doing so. On Wednesday, foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said that the current Covid wave from China must be taken "very very" seriously while highlighting Beijing hardly released any details (regarding the pandemic). Meanwhile, Germans living in China started receiving the BioNTech vaccine against Covid on Thursday, the first such rollout of a foreign vaccine in China which has not approved the use of non-Chinese vaccines despite the massive surge in infections. ALSO READ | Take 'just position' on Covid: China urges WHO after virus data criticism As per an official agreement during chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to Beijing in November 2022, Germans aged 12 and older may receive their first dose or a booster of the BioNTech vaccine at designated international hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Guangzhou or Chengdu, news agency Reuters reported. On Tuesday, the German foreign ministry said over 8,000 doses of the vaccine were shipped to China and over 1,500 people registered their interest. The ministry added that German officials were trying to expand the offer (to administer BioNTech vaccines) to other nationalities as well. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Germany makes negative pre-departure Covid test report must for travellers from China

More than a couple of months after Poland officially signed a note to Germany seeking reparations for the damages sustained in WWII, Berlin has rebuffed such demands.&nbsp;

The Polish foreign ministry on Tuesday said it received a response from Germany rejecting Polish claims.&nbsp;

"According to the German government, the issue of reparations and compensation for wartime losses remains closed and it does not intend to enter into negotiations," read the statement released.&nbsp;

Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk in an interview slammed Germany for its 'disrespectful' attitude.&nbsp;

"This answer, to sum it up, shows an absolutely disrespectful attitude towards Poland and Poles.&nbsp;Germany does not pursue a friendly policy towards Poland, they want to build their sphere of influence here and treat Poland as a vassal state," said&nbsp;Mularczyk.&nbsp;

Despite the outright rejection, the ministry added that it will "continue to seek compensation for German aggression and occupation in 1939-1945".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-prepared-if-russia-cuts-oil-supply-says-minister-547790">Read more:&nbsp;Poland prepared if Russia cuts oil supply, has alternative supplies, says minister</a>

Ever since coming to power in 2015, Poland's governing Law and Justice (PiS) party has been quite vocal in demanding war reparations with a strong focus on Germany. The party argues that Germany has a 'moral duty' in the matter and that it owes compensation.&nbsp;

It was in September last year, the 83rd anniversary of the war that the Polish government presented an exhaustive report on the damages. It arrived at an estimated figure of $1.3 trillion as the appropriate reparation amount that the Germans owed their EU partner.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-study-wwii-german-vessel-shipwreck-is-polluting-north-sea-526873">WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Study: WWII German vessel shipwreck is polluting North Sea</a>

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The German government continues to avoid paying the reparation saying Poland officially renounced such demands in a 1953 accord.&nbsp;

However, the Polish government rejects the said declaration saying it was signed under pressure from the Soviet Union by the country's then-communist leaders.&nbsp;

Notably, over six million Poles, including three million Polish Jews were killed by the Nazis during the war. The capital city of Warsaw was razed to the ground by the Germans, leading to the death of almost 200,000 civilians.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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More than a couple of months after Poland officially signed a note to Germany seeking reparations for the damages sustained in WWII, Berlin has rebuffed such demands.

More than a couple of months after Poland officially signed a note to Germany seeking reparations for the damages sustained in WWII, Berlin has rebuffed such demands. The Polish foreign ministry on Tuesday said it received a response from Germany rejecting Polish claims. "According to the German government, the issue of reparations and compensation for wartime losses remains closed and it does not intend to enter into negotiations," read the statement released. Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk in an interview slammed Germany for its 'disrespectful' attitude. "This answer, to sum it up, shows an absolutely disrespectful attitude towards Poland and Poles. Germany does not pursue a friendly policy towards Poland, they want to build their sphere of influence here and treat Poland as a vassal state," said Mularczyk. Despite the outright rejection, the ministry added that it will "continue to seek compensation for German aggression and occupation in 1939-1945". Read more: Poland prepared if Russia cuts oil supply, has alternative supplies, says minister Ever since coming to power in 2015, Poland's governing Law and Justice (PiS) party has been quite vocal in demanding war reparations with a strong focus on Germany. The party argues that Germany has a 'moral duty' in the matter and that it owes compensation. It was in September last year, the 83rd anniversary of the war that the Polish government presented an exhaustive report on the damages. It arrived at an estimated figure of $1.3 trillion as the appropriate reparation amount that the Germans owed their EU partner. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Study: WWII German vessel shipwreck is polluting North Sea × The German government continues to avoid paying the reparation saying Poland officially renounced such demands in a 1953 accord. However, the Polish government rejects the said declaration saying it was signed under pressure from the Soviet Union by the country's then-communist leaders. Notably, over six million Poles, including three million Polish Jews were killed by the Nazis during the war. The capital city of Warsaw was razed to the ground by the Germans, leading to the death of almost 200,000 civilians. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Germany rejects Poland's $1.4 trillion demand for WWII reparations

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Wednesday (January 4) that the current Covid wave from China must be taken "very very" seriously. Addressing a press conference, Baerbock said, “Looking at Covid and China, these too are issues we briefly discussed yesterday. We have very similar views. Our goal is a common European solution. We must take the current Covid wave from China very, very seriously."

Baerbock said since China hardly releases any details, European cooperation is very crucial and collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) is equally important for full transparency on what the situation in China is like right now,&nbsp;news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since the onset of the pandemic, Germany has recorded more than 37.4 million Covid cases and 161,714 deaths, according to WHO data.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-joins-the-list-of-countries-requiring-covid-negative-test-from-travellers-from-china-548761">Qatar joins the list of countries requiring Covid negative test from travellers from China</a>

Currently, the German government has not imposed any restrictions on travellers arriving from China despite other European Countries such as France, Italy and the United Kingdom (UK) doing so.&nbsp;

In France, travellers from China have to provide a negative PCR or antigen test undertaken less than 48 hours before departure. In Italy, the government has ordered Covid antigen swabs and virus sequencing for such travellers.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;European Union countries enforce traveller Covid curbs amid deteriorating situation

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On the other hand, from January 5, all travellers to the UK from China must submit a negative test before boarding. The government also said it will test a sample of arrivals to monitor new variants.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-asks-china-to-provide-a-more-realistic-picture-of-covid-19-situation-549382">WHO asks China to provide a 'more realistic picture' of Covid-19 situation</a>

Meanwhile, the Chinese government has condemned ''discriminatory practices'' as more and more countries are imposing restrictions on Chinese travellers.&nbsp;

“(Such measures) should not be used as an opportunity to engage in political manipulation, discriminatory practices or affect normal exchanges and cooperation between people,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a press conference on Wednesday and pointed out that virus-related curbs should be scientific and appropriate, Reuters also reported.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Wednesday (January 4) that the current Covid wave from China must be taken "very very" seriously. Addressing a press conference, Baerbock said, “Looking at Covid and China, these too are issues we briefly discussed yesterday.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Wednesday (January 4) that the current Covid wave from China must be taken "very very" seriously. Addressing a press conference, Baerbock said, “Looking at Covid and China, these too are issues we briefly discussed yesterday. We have very similar views. Our goal is a common European solution. We must take the current Covid wave from China very, very seriously." Baerbock said since China hardly releases any details, European cooperation is very crucial and collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) is equally important for full transparency on what the situation in China is like right now, news agency Reuters reported. Since the onset of the pandemic, Germany has recorded more than 37.4 million Covid cases and 161,714 deaths, according to WHO data. ALSO READ | Qatar joins the list of countries requiring Covid negative test from travellers from China Currently, the German government has not imposed any restrictions on travellers arriving from China despite other European Countries such as France, Italy and the United Kingdom (UK) doing so. In France, travellers from China have to provide a negative PCR or antigen test undertaken less than 48 hours before departure. In Italy, the government has ordered Covid antigen swabs and virus sequencing for such travellers. ALSO WATCH | European Union countries enforce traveller Covid curbs amid deteriorating situation × On the other hand, from January 5, all travellers to the UK from China must submit a negative test before boarding. The government also said it will test a sample of arrivals to monitor new variants. ALSO READ | WHO asks China to provide a 'more realistic picture' of Covid-19 situation Meanwhile, the Chinese government has condemned ''discriminatory practices'' as more and more countries are imposing restrictions on Chinese travellers. “(Such measures) should not be used as an opportunity to engage in political manipulation, discriminatory practices or affect normal exchanges and cooperation between people,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a press conference on Wednesday and pointed out that virus-related curbs should be scientific and appropriate, Reuters also reported. (With agency inputs) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Current Covid wave from China must be taken 'very very' seriously: Germany

At a time when Europe's energy crisis is likely to cause a recession, German unemployment unexpectedly decreased as the continent's largest economy displayed resilience. The Federal Labor Agency reported on Tuesday that there was a 13,000-person decrease in unemployment in December.

World Business Watch: Unexpected drop in German unemployment, rate falls to 5.5%

Britain said it was committed to leading a NATO task force in 2024, dismissing a report by Berlin that British delays had prompted the German defence ministry to look into extending its leadership beyond 2023.

UK committed to lead a NATO task force in 2024

A German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) agent has been arrested on the suspicion that he was spying for Russia. The arrest took place on Thursday and the suspect has been charged with treason, according to the national prosecutors.

A German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) agent has been arrested on the suspicion that he was spying for Russia. The arrest took place on Thursday and the suspect has been charged with treason, according to the national prosecutors. The officer named Carsten L. was arrested in Berlin under German privacy laws. “The accused is suspected of state treason. In 2022, he shared information that he came by in the course of his work with a Russian intelligence agency. The content is considered a state secret," read the statement shared by federal prosecutors. This is not the first time that Germany has managed to unearth hidden spies. In April, earlier this year, the German government expelled 40 Russian' 'spies' who were surreptitiously providing crucial intel to Moscow. Read more: Russian 'deep cover-spy' mixed freely with NATO officials in Naples, claim investigators However, the last time an intelligence officer was arrested for treason was in 2014. Markus R, an intelligence employee was sentenced to eight years in prison for revealing top-secret information to the USA's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Notably, BND, in its work and scope is akin to CIA with the mission statement clearly mentioning the job of the agency is to compile “political, economic and military foreign intelligence.” WATCH | Russian spies hacked former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss' mobile phone × Why has the 'spy' activity increased? Germany and Russia have been at loggerheads ever since the latter invaded Ukraine. While Berlin has sided with Kyiv, Moscow has used its position of being the supplier of natural gas and oil to the European country as leverage. For the major part of the year, Germany and Russia squabbled over the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The pipeline runs from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea and is considered the lifeline of European countries. It was in July that Russia closed Nord Stream 1 for the first time citing maintenance. It added that the 12-metre turbine used to operate the pipeline was stuck in Canada for repairs. Read more: Gazprom's halt of Nord Stream 1 pipeline plunges Europe into a gas crisis Afterwards, the multiple blasts surrounding both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines caused a significant slowdown in supplies, taking the bilateral relations between the two powerhouses to an all-time low. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Germany arrests one of its intelligence officers for being a Russian spy

Germany on Thursday will put the issue of the Taliban banning university education for women in Afghanistan on the agenda of the G7. Germany has held the presidency of the G7 since January this year.&nbsp;Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock hit out at the Taliban's decision and said its rulers decided to destroy Afghanistan's future by banning women from university education nationwide.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-led-ministry-suspends-university-education-for-afghan-girls-and-women-544909">Taliban-led ministry bans university education for Afghan girls and women</a>

"By destroying the future of girls and women in Afghanistan, the Taliban decided to destroy their own country’s future. I will put the issue on the agenda of the G7 tomorrow."

The Taliban may try to make women invisible but won’t succeed - the world is watching," Baerbock tweeted.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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By destroying the future of girls and women in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> decided to destroy their own country’s future. I will put the issue on the agenda of the G7 tomorrow. The Taliban may try to make women invisible, but won’t succeed - the world is watching.
— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABaerbock/status/1605514700782854145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Several other countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Pakistan have condemned the Taliban's decision to suspend university education for Afghanistan's women.&nbsp;

"Deeply dismayed by the announcement from the Taliban denying women the right to university education. Afghan women deserve better. Afghanistan deserves better," US secretary of state Antony Blinken said on Thursday.

On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the ban was a "grave step backwards".

"The Taliban announced that they are suspending female students from attending universities, denying them the prospect of a better life. Equal access to all levels of education is a right to which every woman and every girl is entitled. We condemn this outrageous violation," Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly said, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Pakistan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-disappointed-by-ban-on-university-education-for-afghan-women-urges-kabul-to-revisit-decision-545093">while condemning the ban, urged the Taliban government</a> to revisit its decision.&nbsp;

The ban by the Taliban was announced on Tuesday by higher education minister Neda Mohammad Nadeem. "You all are informed to immediately implement the mentioned order of suspending education of females until further notice," Nadeem said in a letter issued to all government and private universities in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Women university students were anguished with the ban on access to education. On Wednesday, hundreds of women students were stopped by armed guards from entering universities. "We are doomed. We have lost everything," a student told AFP on the condition of anonymity.

"We all felt like caged birds, we hugged each other, screamed, and cried 'why is this happening to us?" &nbsp;another student who was pursuing nursing in Kunduz, told the news agency.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Germany on Thursday will put the issue of the Taliban banning university education for women in Afghanistan on the agenda of the G7. Germany has held the presidency of the G7 since January this year.

Germany on Thursday will put the issue of the Taliban banning university education for women in Afghanistan on the agenda of the G7. Germany has held the presidency of the G7 since January this year. Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock hit out at the Taliban's decision and said its rulers decided to destroy Afghanistan's future by banning women from university education nationwide. ALSO READ | Taliban-led ministry bans university education for Afghan girls and women "By destroying the future of girls and women in Afghanistan, the Taliban decided to destroy their own country’s future. I will put the issue on the agenda of the G7 tomorrow." The Taliban may try to make women invisible but won’t succeed - the world is watching," Baerbock tweeted. By destroying the future of girls and women in #Afghanistan, the #Taliban decided to destroy their own country’s future. I will put the issue on the agenda of the G7 tomorrow. The Taliban may try to make women invisible, but won’t succeed - the world is watching. — Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) December 21, 2022 × Several other countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Pakistan have condemned the Taliban's decision to suspend university education for Afghanistan's women. "Deeply dismayed by the announcement from the Taliban denying women the right to university education. Afghan women deserve better. Afghanistan deserves better," US secretary of state Antony Blinken said on Thursday. On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the ban was a "grave step backwards". "The Taliban announced that they are suspending female students from attending universities, denying them the prospect of a better life. Equal access to all levels of education is a right to which every woman and every girl is entitled. We condemn this outrageous violation," Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly said, news agency Reuters reported. Pakistan, while condemning the ban, urged the Taliban government to revisit its decision. The ban by the Taliban was announced on Tuesday by higher education minister Neda Mohammad Nadeem. "You all are informed to immediately implement the mentioned order of suspending education of females until further notice," Nadeem said in a letter issued to all government and private universities in Afghanistan. Women university students were anguished with the ban on access to education. On Wednesday, hundreds of women students were stopped by armed guards from entering universities. "We are doomed. We have lost everything," a student told AFP on the condition of anonymity. "We all felt like caged birds, we hugged each other, screamed, and cried 'why is this happening to us?" another student who was pursuing nursing in Kunduz, told the news agency. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Germany to put university education ban for Afghan women on G7 meeting agenda

Germany has shipped a batch of the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to China, where it will be administered to Germans who live in the country.&nbsp;The vaccines were sent aboard a flight that was scheduled to land in China on Wednesday, according to Steffen Hebestreit, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's spokesperson. He claimed that the Chinese government officially informed Berlin in a diplomatic message that German citizens might receive the vaccination, even though it had not been approved for use in China otherwise.

The deal will help some 20,000 Germans living in China, according to Hebestreit, and "at the same time, we are striving to make it feasible for (other) foreigners, expatriates to profit from such a step."

China has agreed to permit the restricted use of the German-developed BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine in return for Germany permitting Chinese nationals living in Germany to get the Sinovac vaccine, which has not received EU approval.

Scholz said when he visited Beijing in early November that China would make BioNTech-Pfizer shots available for expatriates and said that can “only be a first step,” indicating that he hoped the vaccine’s use could be expanded to the Chinese population.&nbsp;

China so far has approved only domestic vaccines, which use a less evolved technology that has typically proven less effective at preventing the spread of the disease than the BioNTech-Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Germany has shipped a batch of the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to China, where it will be administered to Germans who live in the country. The vaccines were sent aboard a flight that was scheduled to land in China on Wednesday, according to Steffen Hebestreit, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's spokesperson.

Germany has shipped a batch of the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to China, where it will be administered to Germans who live in the country. The vaccines were sent aboard a flight that was scheduled to land in China on Wednesday, according to Steffen Hebestreit, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's spokesperson. He claimed that the Chinese government officially informed Berlin in a diplomatic message that German citizens might receive the vaccination, even though it had not been approved for use in China otherwise. The deal will help some 20,000 Germans living in China, according to Hebestreit, and "at the same time, we are striving to make it feasible for (other) foreigners, expatriates to profit from such a step." China has agreed to permit the restricted use of the German-developed BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine in return for Germany permitting Chinese nationals living in Germany to get the Sinovac vaccine, which has not received EU approval. Scholz said when he visited Beijing in early November that China would make BioNTech-Pfizer shots available for expatriates and said that can “only be a first step,” indicating that he hoped the vaccine’s use could be expanded to the Chinese population. China so far has approved only domestic vaccines, which use a less evolved technology that has typically proven less effective at preventing the spread of the disease than the BioNTech-Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

BioNTech-Pfizer Covid vaccine sent to China for Germans; 20,000 expatriates to benefit from the vaccine

WION’s Ghadi Francis brings us the joy and cheers and everything in between from the spa town of Germany, Baden Baden. Take a look.

Germany’s spa town Baden Baden in its Christmas fervour

Tennis legend Boris Becker, in his first interview since being released from prison, has recounted that his life was threatened twice there and that he had to rely on 'blood brothers' to be protected.

Tennis legend Boris Becker, in his first interview since being released from prison, has recounted that his life was threatened twice there and that he had to rely on 'blood brothers' to be protected. Becker informed about a prisoner named 'John', serving a 25-year sentence for multiple murders as the one who terrorised him with constant threats to extort money. Becker said John wanted his money and to kill him. Becker continued and said a second inmate named 'Ike' cornered him once. After Becker shouted for help, 10 prisoners came around and rescued him. "And then the next day Ike asked if I would accept his apology. I could have rejected it. I encountered him in the laundry. He threw himself down to the ground and begged me for forgiveness." WATCH | Tennis legend Boris Becker tearfully recounts his prison time in the United Kingdom × The six-time Grand Slam winner added that in prison he was a nobody. “In prison you are a nobody. You are only a number. Mine was A2923EV. I wasn’t called Boris, I was a number. And nobody gives a shit who you are.” Notably, Becker was sentenced to a 30-month prison sentence for fraudulently hiding a whopping $3 million (£2.5 million) of assets in a bid to prevent paying debts. This was after he had already declared bankruptcy. He owed creditors more than $60 million. “I’ve learnt a hard lesson. A very expensive one. A very painful one. But the whole thing has taught me something very important and worthwhile. And some things happen for a good reason," said becker reflecting on the eight-month prison term. Read more: Jailed Boris Becker teaching inmates how to be fit, behaviour described as 'impeccable': Report “From six o’clock that morning I sat on the edge of my bed, and hoped that the cell door would open. They came to get me at 7.30 am, unlocked the door and asked: ‘Are you ready?’ I said: ‘Let’s go!’ I had already packed everything beforehand.” Becker's fall from grace came as a shock to the tennis community where he still is regarded as one of the greats to have played the sport. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Boris Becker reveals he relied on 'blood brothers' to protect him in prison

Most of the jewels stolen from the historic Dresden art collections heist have been recovered. The 120 million dollar heist took place in 2019.

Germany: 18th-century jewels were stolen from a state museum, $120 million Dresden diamonds heist

The French army has officially awarded the contract to develop a new European combat jet, a key project in the push to integrate the continent's military capabilities and reduce its reliance on American equipment.&nbsp;French and German officials announced the deal last month, burying the hatchet after months of dispute over how the industrial work would be shared for the stealth delta-wing aircraft.

European planemaker Airbus and France's Dassault Aviation, joined by Spain's Indra and a host of subcontractors, will collaborate on the so-called Future Combat Air System against a rival project, Tempest, pursued by Britain, Italy, Sweden and Japan.

"This historic contract, worth 3.2 billion euros ($3.4 billion), will cover the work on a demonstrator of the FCAS and its components for around three and a half years," the companies said in a statement on Friday.

Analysts estimate it will cost 100 billion euros to develop the new jet and its cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence for a linked "combat cloud" of drones, scheduled to be operational in 2040.

"This is a major step forward with an important project to protect our strategic interests," French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said in a statement.

Upon completion of the development phase, known as 1B, the countries will negotiate the actual construction phase for the jets, with the first flight demonstrations expected in 2028 or 2029.

"The political agreement on the FCAS is a big step forward and -- especially in the current international context -- an important signal of the excellent cooperation between France, Germany and Spain," the office of French President Emmanuel Macron said when the deal was announced last month.

So far no other European nations have signed on to build the new plane, and a previous French-German plan to build a common fighter failed, leading to the development of the Rafale and Eurofighter jets currently in use.

Germany had also worried many in Paris last March when it announced a deal to buy 35 F-35 jets from US firm Lockheed Martin.

The planes are certified to carry US nuclear warheads kept in Europe as part of the NATO defence alliance -- which the new French-German jets are also expected to do.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The French army has officially awarded the contract to develop a new European combat jet, a key project in the push to integrate the continent's military capabilities and reduce its reliance on American equipment.

The French army has officially awarded the contract to develop a new European combat jet, a key project in the push to integrate the continent's military capabilities and reduce its reliance on American equipment. French and German officials announced the deal last month, burying the hatchet after months of dispute over how the industrial work would be shared for the stealth delta-wing aircraft. European planemaker Airbus and France's Dassault Aviation, joined by Spain's Indra and a host of subcontractors, will collaborate on the so-called Future Combat Air System against a rival project, Tempest, pursued by Britain, Italy, Sweden and Japan. "This historic contract, worth 3.2 billion euros ($3.4 billion), will cover the work on a demonstrator of the FCAS and its components for around three and a half years," the companies said in a statement on Friday. Analysts estimate it will cost 100 billion euros to develop the new jet and its cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence for a linked "combat cloud" of drones, scheduled to be operational in 2040. "This is a major step forward with an important project to protect our strategic interests," French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said in a statement. Upon completion of the development phase, known as 1B, the countries will negotiate the actual construction phase for the jets, with the first flight demonstrations expected in 2028 or 2029. "The political agreement on the FCAS is a big step forward and -- especially in the current international context -- an important signal of the excellent cooperation between France, Germany and Spain," the office of French President Emmanuel Macron said when the deal was announced last month. So far no other European nations have signed on to build the new plane, and a previous French-German plan to build a common fighter failed, leading to the development of the Rafale and Eurofighter jets currently in use. Germany had also worried many in Paris last March when it announced a deal to buy 35 F-35 jets from US firm Lockheed Martin. The planes are certified to carry US nuclear warheads kept in Europe as part of the NATO defence alliance -- which the new French-German jets are also expected to do. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

France to develop next-generation fighter jet to reduce reliance on American equipment

Tennis legend Boris Becker will return to Germany after serving eight months in prison in Britain. The 55-year-old was sentenced to two-and-a-half-years in jail at the end of April for breaking insolvency laws.

Tennis legend Boris Becker released from prison, to be deported from UK

A huge aquarium burst in capital city of Berlin. About 100 emergency responders rushed to the scene. The aquarium was situated in a complex that houses a hotel, a museum, shops and restaurants. It was reportedly the world's largest freestanding cylindrical aquarium measuring around 46 feet in height.

BREAKING: Huge aquarium bursts in Berlin, emergency responders on site

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