“That’s called WW3”: NATO to send first 24 fighter jets in “new chapter in the supply of weapons”: envoy
Rick Rozoff, AntiBellum, Jan 28 2023
President Biden in Mar 2022: “The idea that we’re going to send in offensive equipment and have planes and tanks and trains going in with American pilots and American crews, just understand, don’t kid yourself, no matter what y’all say, that’s called WW3.” Thanks to Glenn Beck for the reminder.
Ukraine expects 24 fighter jets from allies as part of first package – media
Interfax-Ukraine, Jan 28 2023Ukraine intends to receive 24 fighter jets from international allies as part of the first batch, Yuri Ignat, spokesman for the Air Force Command of the AFU, told the Spanish newspaper El País. “The Air Force’s priority is to get American F-16s, although Kyiv is considering the option of French Rafales and Swedish Gripens,” the newspaper writes. It is noted that the first package will include two battalions of 12 combat aircraft each. “This is a new package of military assistance that the Ukrainian army intends to receive from its international allies. The 24 fighter jets, ideally US F-16s, would represent only an urgent first phase in a new chapter in the supply of weapons to the country invaded by Russia: combat aircraft,” the report notes.
If WW3 breaks out, it won’t start on tanks or fighter jets, warns Medvedev
TASS, Jan 28 2023Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has lambasted Western attempts to justify arms deliveries to Kiev as an alleged effort to prevent a world war. “Firstly, defending Ukraine, which nobody needs in Europe, will not save the senile Old World from retribution if anything occurs. Secondly, once WW3 breaks out, unfortunately it will not be on tanks or even on fighter jets. Then everything will definitely be turned to dust,” Medvedev wrote on his Telegram channel on Saturday.
With eye on Ukraine, Kosovo, Republika Srpska, Pentagon strengthens ties with NATO ally Albania
Rick Rozoff, AntiBellum, Jan 28 2023
US-Albanian Leaders Discuss NATO, Bilateral Relations
DoD, Jan 26 2023US and Albanian defense leaders met today at the Pentagon to make a strong bilateral alliance even stronger. Sec Def Austin met with Defense Minister Niko Peleshi met as the two nations marked the 30th year of their nations’ defense relationship. The men last spoke during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Ramstein Air Base last week. Albania, a NATO ally, is providing aid to Ukraine. Austin said at the beginning of the meeting: “Over the past three decades, our relationship has only deepened. Our forces train and exercise together. They work alongside each other in coalition operations. Albanian troops have served alongside US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq and Latvia. More recently, we appreciate Albania‘s support and hosting Defender Europe 2021. I appreciate that Albania has volunteered to host Defender Europe 2023. We’re meeting at a critical time for European security. Last week’s contact group underscored the importance of moving urgently.” Austin thanked the Albanian minister for the lethal and humanitarian aid his country is providing Ukraine. Albania is also deploying forces to bolster NATO’s defense in the East. Peleshi told Austin: “My country is proud to be a member of NATO and an ally of the US. We have been very active in international missions, NATO missions, UN missions and operations because we want to deserve being an ally of the great, most powerful political alliance.”
NATO allies, partners to send another 320 battle tanks to Ukraine – ambassador
Rick Rozoff, AntiBellum, Jan 28 2023
Western partners promise to send 321 heavy tanks to Ukraine – Ambassador Omelchenko
UkrInform, Jan 28 2023Ukraine’s Ambassador France Vadym Omelchenko said: “As of today, many countries have officially confirmed their consent to deliver 321 heavy tanks to Ukraine. We need this help as soon as possible, but some need to carry out maintenance works, others need to solve logistics issues, and still others are waiting to receive tanks in exchange for those they are handing over to Ukraine.” A reminder that Zelensky stated earlier that the Ukrainian Army needed 300 to 500 tanks to carry out a counter-offensive against Russian troops.
Niqnaq 