Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday that NATO states sending weapons to Ukraine was “perceived as direct involvement in the conflict” by Moscow, rather than being separate from it.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, former US President Donald Trump called on US President Joe Biden to end “this crazy war” in Ukraine before it leads to the use of nuclear weapons.

“First come the tanks, then come the nukes. Get this crazy war ended, now. So easy to do,” Trump said.

NATO countries are not in danger of being attacked by Russia, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Kirby was asked whether the US-led military alliance has enough troops to repel a possible Russian strike on its eastern flank in case of a major escalation in the Ukraine conflict.

More than 10,000 Ukrainian servicemen who were redeployed from the Zaporozhye frontline to Donbass to ward off the advancing Russian forces near Soledar were killed during the battle for the city, Vladimir Rogov, chairman of the We Are Together with Russia movement, told TASS on Thursday.

"By early or mid-December, the Ukrainian army amassed 30,000 people on the Zaporozhye line of combat engagement," he noted.

According to the politician, the bulk of them were eliminated near Soledar and in the city itself. "More than 10,000 Ukrainian militants," he specified.

For Ukraine, the struggle to secure Western battle tanks was just the start.

With U.S.-built Abrams and German-made Leopards now headed for the front line following months of bickering among Western allies, military planners in Kyiv are turning their attention to what they see as the logical next step in their effort to repel Russian invaders — shipments of modern fighter jets.

Dear President Biden:

We are aware that the just-reported decision to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine responds to Berlin’s coy insistence that “you go first.” Now Leopard tanks from Germany and other allies will also be sent. Trouble is that those few that make it into Ukraine will be late to the party.

German Leopards are sent to Kiev – so “Der Spiegel” (24.1.2023) – Chancellor Scholz has decided for more killing against all odds. Against the vast majority of the German people. Against the will of the vast majority of the people of the west. Against the vast majority of the people of the world.