“NEW: The UK is considering supplying Ukraine with British tanks for the first time to fight Russia’s invading forces,
@SkyNews understands.
Discussions have been taking place “for a few weeks” about delivering a number of the British Army’s Challenger 2 main battle tank to the Ukrainian armed forces, a western source with knowledge of the conversations said. 2/
Such a move – if given the greenlight – would mark a significant step up in western support to Ukraine and could help prompt other NATO allies, in particular Germany, to follow suit. “It would encourage others to give tanks,” a Ukrainian source said. 3/
No final decision has yet been made by Rishi Sunak’s government, but if the UK did sign off on such a delivery it would become the first nation to respond to pleas from Ukrainian leaders to equip their military with powerful western tanks. 4/
A US-led grouping of some 50 nations – including the UK – that is delivering military support to Ukraine is due to hold its next meeting on 20 January. Any announcements about new assistance, such as tanks, could be made to coincide with the Contact Group gathering. 5/
One source suggested Britain might offer around 10 Challenger 2 tanks – enough to equip a squadron. 6/
The source said this in itself would not be a “game changer” but it would still be significant because the move would breach a barrier that has so far prevented allies from offering up western tanks to Ukraine for fear of being seen as overly escalatory by Russia. 7/”
“Putin’s Energy Gambit Fizzles as Warm Winter Saves Europe”
“Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plans to squeeze Europe by weaponizing energy look to be fizzling at least for now.
Mild weather, a wider array of suppliers and efforts to reduce demand are helping, with gas reserves still nearly full and prices tumbling to pre-war levels. After the sharp turnaround over the past month, Europe is likely already through the worst of the crisis. “
“In Germany, storage facilities are about 91% full, compared with 54% a year ago, when Russia had already been emptying facilities it controlled. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government has since nationalized Gazprom PJSC’s local units and has spent billions of euros filling reserves. “
“The more gas we have in storage facilities at the beginning of the year, the less stress and cost we will face in filling them again for next winter.”
“Favorable conditions and the expansion of renewable capacity is also helping. Higher wind and solar generation will help slash gas-fired power generation in 10 of Europe’s largest power markets by 39% this year, according to S&P Global.
The dynamic has shifted to such an extent that there’s now too much LNG arriving, according to Morgan Stanley. Deliveries set a fresh record in December, and the trend is likely to continue. “
“Refilling reserves could be less dramatic after this winter. Morgan Stanley and consultancy Wood Mackenzie Ltd. expect storage sites about half full this spring if the weather stays mild. That would be double last year’s levels. “