Russia affirms it is not afraid of NATO tanks, sending 17 warships close to Ukraine

Russia insists NATO tanks will not change the outcome on the front line. Ukraine says 17 Russian warships are on standby near its territory.

According to TASS, on January 16 (local time), Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Poland and Britain's promise to supply tanks to Kiev clearly shows that they want the conflict to escalate further. However, these tanks will not change the outcome at the front line.

“Those tanks will burn, like every weapon they have ever sent,” Mr. Peskov said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Photo: TASS

Mr Peskov's statement came as the West stepped up its commitment to sending heavy weapons to Ukraine. The British government pledged to provide 14 Challenger 2 main battle tanks, while the US, France and Germany pledged to provide more infantry fighting vehicles. Poland, on the other hand, expressed its intention to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine, despite warnings from Germany.

Ukraine says Russia sent 17 warships close to its country

According to Pravda, on January 16 (local time), the Ukrainian navy said it had discovered 17 Russian warships on combat duty in the Black Sea.

Kalibr cruise missile launched from Russian warship. Photo: TASS

Of these, six are equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles. In addition, two Russian warships were also seen in the Sea of ​​Azov, while nine other warships were deployed near the Mediterranean Sea.

A Ukrainian navy representative revealed that Russia deployed warships carrying Kalibr cruise missiles to the Black Sea for the first time on January 14, coinciding with the time when Moscow launched a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine.

Türkiye continues to offer to mediate

According to Reuters, on January 16 (local time), the Turkish President had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Here, Mr. Tayyip Erdogan once again proposed to act as a mediator to end the conflict in Ukraine.

On the Russian side, the Kremlin said that Mr. Putin and Mr. Erdogan discussed the process of exchanging prisoners with Ukraine, establishing a regional gas hub in Türkiye and removing barriers to grain exports from the Black Sea.