Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the decision of the United States to supply Ukraine, for the first time, with heavy armour. The Bradley fighting vehicles are used to transport infantry and provide covering fire. The Americans will also provide ground-to-air missiles, armoured vehicles for the troops and artillery systems as part of an assistance package worth over 3 billion dollars. The supply with armoured fighting vehicles indicates a change in the approach of some western states who have so far been reluctant to send more lethal support to Ukraine amid fears of escalating the conflict, notes the BBC. The move comes at a time when Ukraine prepares for a new stage in its attempt to regain the territories occupied by the Russians. In another development, incidents were reported in the east of Ukraine in violation of the ceasefire unilaterally declared by Russia over Orthodox Christmas.
Eugen Cojocariu, Radio Romania International
