frank holcroft sounds with the birds and crosby, stills, and nash, with his wife jan said that she and his son jango were with him when he died. oh, you're watching the w news coming to from berlin. a reminder now of the top story for falling for you. german defense minister boris. the story says no decision yet has been made on allowing german made leopard tanks to be sent to your grain. key of and western partners are pressuring berlin to do this at a meeting of defense ministers at lunch time, air based in germany. they noted faith, top military officials are due to address reporters there shortly. and we will be bringing that to you live once it gets under way. and as we are waiting for statements from the us defense secretary lloyd austin and the chairman of the joint

chiefs of staff, general mark, milly, we can speak to d. w as chief political correspondent, nina hossa, who has been following all of the action and discussions at the meeting there at the u. s. air basin, ramstein. so nina, we heard the german defense minister speaking earlier today. and he said that there were good reasons for hesitating to send ukraine. the battle hangs those leopard to tanks. he said no decision hadn't been made yet. but did he explain what those reasons are for hesitating for waiting for as victorious said that there are good reasons to deliver the combat tanks of the leper to ty, but there are also good reasons not to do so. and he said that the picture is not that clear amongst allies. he said the impression that many people gotten that the media are also a perpetrated that so germany was isolated on that issue was completely wrong. and

that there are a couple of allies who have their doubts and who really want to make sure that they've discussed all the potential implications of such a delivery before it's such a decision can be made. now of course, there are several factors that play a part here. one, boys, historians can't decide that issue. he can't make that decision himself. that is a decision that the german chancellor has to make. then public opinion in germany is split on the issue. not everybody wants a ukraine to be delivered with a leopard to tanks. and then of course, there's also the risk of potential escalation from russia. germany stress that had new defense minister that germany is not a nuclear power. so all these things have to be taken into consideration. and then of course, also the question is, is, is there something that will really make a difference on the battlefield forest? visorio said it's also a question of delivering air defense systems to ukraine. so that can make a crucial difference on the battlefield. but when it comes to those battle tanks,

those combat tanks, he said that he's ordered his ministry to make a proper assessment of what would be available in case the decision to delivery of air lepper. two's was made by the chancery and he said that he is expecting this decision to be made, whether it's in one day, one week or 2 weeks. he didn't know. he also added that ukrainians can also be trained already by other partners who wants to donate those leopard to tanks ultimately. and in this meeting of nato and defense leaders at ramstein was convened by the united states. what is the u. s. s. position on delivering those tanks to ukraine. they argue that battle tongues do play a very vital role in helping ukraine push russia back from its territory. and they say in an official statement that was released before. lloyd austin, the u. s. defense secretary arrived here in berlin. germany plays a key role,

and they also added that to one of the goals of u. s. defense secretary austin's visit in berlin was to unlock that decision from berlin. so i believe that to day or 2 stories, the new defense minister was tasked with buying germany a bit more time and trying to set the wheels in motion so that the proper discussions can continue on this very topic. and that a decision can be made very swiftly. ok, so perhaps light asked in signal that they're allowing germany a bit more in time. but at that he did as well stress the importance of this moment and the need to act. now, we also heard a similar message from the cranium president as a lensky saying time is of the essence. how is the german chancellor a chance, or schultz likely to respond to this kind of pressure from all directions?

well again, i just after a call into mind what the defense minister, who's only been in his job for more than 24 hours as told reporters today, told us here at ramstein. and he said, this is something where we have to make careful considerations. we have to have those detailed discussions, and this is not something that can be decided so quickly, so it will have sides. it is also stressing all the time that germany can't go alone. you also doesn't want europeans to go alone. he wants the u. s. to be very closely involved in this military support and he wants a coordinated answer, something of where the whole package makes sense on the battlefield so that ukrainians get what they need. and they're, he stressed that germany is delivering air defense systems. they've promised more iris t systems. they've also promised another patriot. so this is some think where and

germany will have to make a decision on the leopard twos. we don't know yet whether that's going to be a positive or negative decision, but there are people who are now saying the fact that a barrister stories as ordered his ministry to look at which leopard two's what be available if the decision is then positive is already an indication that germany is prepared to also give its green light. and we also can't forget that for germany, it really is about overcoming it's taboo, that's rooted in its history as the aggressor stayed during world war 2. so things have shifted in germany. we can see that, and at the same time we have been hearing from supporters of ukraine who have been warning for months, or the biggest danger was a so called ukraine fatigue in western capitals. but are we seeing this new flurry of weapons pledges? weapons deliveries is that telling us that there is a kind of new resolve in the west to support ukraine and to continue to do so. and

why are this resolved? now everybody is considering this point in time, a crucial time for the on the battlefield in ukraine. now that is something that everybody agrees on. now, this meeting here at ramstein is one of those. it is a series of meeting. so this is not an isolated thing. this is the contact group that's meeting all of ukraine's allies trying to coordinate best. how best they can help you. crane in that fight on the ground to push back russia are a little everybody's talking about the big spring offensive that russia is planning rushes, trying to regroup, it's trying to retrain. and ukraine needs to have the right equipment to answer to that. now that is a very clear message coming out of ramstein today. so the media of course have been focusing a lot on the leper to an issue. and it is one big part of the big puzzle,

but it also plays a role in identifying the countries that can deliver other systems that are just as vital and presidents zalinski, for example, is calling for a lot more help when it comes to fighter jets. he's even asked for a long range missiles, so there are a lot of demands on the table. and now there are sitting together around the table and they want to sent their symbol and message out to the world that the west remains resolved. and that these efforts are not just words that they will send a big package is the u. s. announced a very big new package of $2500000000.00 today. that also consists of strikers, of more armored vehicles of more ammunition. and that is also something that ukraine desperately needs. while the kremlin also is carefully watching this meeting at hampshire and paying attention to the pleasures of additional weapons for ukraine. and we've heard warnings from a kremlin spokesman that the west will,

as he put it, regret, supply ukraine with additional tanks and arguing that it wouldn't change anything on the battlefield. our western countries concerned about a possible retaliation from moscow was this disgust it ramstein forest destroys, was asked that question whether there is a fear of such escalation. and his answer was, we are not afraid. we are not a people who will be easily as scared, but we have a responsibility to also look after our own people. so we do have to make all these considerations with our own people in mind as well. now from the kremlin, of course, we've been hearing those threats for a long time, and this is something where western governments have repeatedly said, we've heard those threats for a long time now. and this is now a crucial time where we can't allow russia to regroup. we mustn't lose time was

something that the u. s. defense secretary lloyd austin said here this morning at the opening remarks. this is something where history is watching us. you said keith is watching us in the kremlin is to while the former russian president, i mean treatment video issued very dark threats a. he was warning that as he put it and nuclear power, losing in a conventional war can provoke the outbreak of a nuclear war. and nina, how much concern is there among the western leaders that russia might actually go ahead and use nuclear weapons? well, of course, nuclear weapons are politically speaking, something that you have so that you don't have to use them that are worked during the cold war as the countries bought nuclear weapons so that other countries wouldn't attack them. and nobody was planning to use them properly. but of course,

these threats have come out of the kremlin for a long time now for a, for a couple of months now. and it is something that is being heard in the west, of course. now when it comes to that mid video statement, many people that listen to that and said, what was interesting about that statement was that in fact, not just that nuclear threat because that is a repetition essentially or beads, a serious one. and but what he mentioned was, for the 1st time, this was somebody, a high ranking who spoke of the past possibility that russia could lose this war. and this is not something that we've been hearing a lot or but lately. also, people earn the who are spreading russian propaganda are on the official stage channels. for example, they have also been saying that russia risks losing this war as well. detail is chief political correspondent, nina hossa at ramstein. thank you nina. we'll be checking in with you

a little bit later. as we've been mentioning right now, ukraine officials and their western partners are meeting at ramstein airbase here in germany to discuss a major boost in military aid for keith. and all eyes are on germany and whether berlin will greenlight deliveries of its modern, a leper 2 tanks to ukraine. but the new defense minister is stressing that no decision has been made yet. and that divisions over the issues still remain. it's a meeting many here say comes at a crucial moment with russia, regrouping and recruiting ukraine's allies feel they have to ramp up their support and fast. this is not a moment to slow down. it's a time to dig deeper. but ukrainian people are watching us. but kremlin is watching us in history is watching us

so we won't let up. and we won't waiver in our determination to help ukraine defend itself from russia's imperial aggression. so many of the countries present the abstain have already announced additional military, 8 armored vehicles and ammunition for example. but the main focus of today's conference is on what is not yet on that list. the german leopard to a heavily armed battle tang kia has long been asking for germany itself is so far, reluctant to deliver and says it would take a very long time. anyway. other countries like poland and finland, however, also have these tanks and a willing to send them to ukraine fast. but that ju needs the green light from berlin, and pressure is mounting. poland is now hinting it might go ahead without permission from berlin. i think that is there strong resistance. paula's deputy foreign minister, pavel jablonsky said we will be ready to take even such nonstandard action. but

let's not anticipate the facts. ukraine too is pushing heart amid russia latest attacks. oh, i am truly grateful to all of you for the weapons you have provided every unit challenge to see our people from terror, but a tire time remains. arrows lead, betty law thyme must become our common well. just like your dance and artillery of eagles and dams with you. the heating, baldwin, you germany's new defense minister, bullis pistole. yes. who's been in office? little more than 24 hours. says he is preparing for the decision from the german chancellor. but if i don't a nigger even in shot in the event of a negative decision, nothing needs to be done again. but in the event of a positive decision, we have to move quickly because it is then a matter of training. checking the leopard tanks and the like, my them all,

that's what this morning i ordered my ministry to examine the stalks of the different types of leopard tanks, both in our own forces and in the industry in an island like captain i. it's all go by the end of fee, but when that decision will be made is still any once guess. well, ukrainian president what a mare zalinski has made a point of increasing the pressure on germany in an exclusive interview with german television. used it to repeat his call for the rapid delivery of tanks. wasn't that clear bar in plain language? can you deliver leopards are not listening in this, but then hand them all the up out of the it's not like we're attacking if anyone's worried about that bar. these leopards are not going to pass through russia. we're defending our salt champs, or one of the heavy tanks that ukraine would like to gant is the u. s. m. one abrams. it started serving the u. s. army in 1980 and was used in combat in the gulf and iraq wars as well as in afghanistan. so what makes is battle tanks so

effective? have a look. the m one, a bronze tank is a 3rd generation battle tank, named off through a u. s. army general the it was created for homage ground warfare during the cold war for more than 40 years later and following significant upgrades. it's the u. s. army main battle tank. the abrams has seen action in numerous military conflicts around the world, including iraq and afghanistan, weighing more than 60 tons. it's one of the heaviest tanks in service that makes it bulky, but it's well protected against most anti tank weapons. it's $120.00 millimeter main gun has a range in excess of 4 kilometers. what makes the m one

a bronze unique is its gas turbine engine, which uses a type of jet fuel. although it has an impressive performance, even washington has acknowledged it has very high fuel consumption compared to traditional diesel engines. the u. s. also admits the tank system is hard to maintain and expensive to run. just 2 of the reasons why washington has been reluctant to deliver this battle tank to ukraine. for months, ukrainian forces have been locked and bloody battles against russian troops in the eastern danverse region. fighting has intensified around the town of bar mood, where soldiers and civilians are holding out in harsh winter conditions. despite the dangerous, some volunteers continued to take aid to people in the area. dw sonya phonic are

met, some of them in the capital key of i was of him because of jolly know who'd be ankle is getting ready to go to the dangerous old. she's about to leave for my coat in the east and on bus me hadn't chest, but i you, some of it is for hospitals. the doctors often have to cut their uniforms open and the soldiers need close dead. and this is for broken bones or joy that ever that i'd see them. but then she's got magazine pouches and power bags, medical supplies, and candles for power shortages. jolena was an actress before the war. now she raises money for supplies and takes them to the front lights. it's risky work, yelena posts about her trips on social media. that's how she raises donations. she had a scare on her last trip to blackwood. her group got dangerously close to russia to positions. and taking aid to those in need isn't always as simple as

a thumbs. i remember what i was in buffalo and november. there aren't many people left issue. some people are pro russian, others a pro ukrainian. there are a few kids and lots of elderly people with, well, some of the men shouted at us. there were angry, were there even though we were providing food supplies. it was hard though, a very hostile hummingbird, as usual in that glasgow war. but she's going back even though it's frightening, was the last national, the foolish times. i'm scared where not superheroes up and going to the front lines . seeing all the shelling it's really inspired me. it sounds strange because we see all of this devastation. but it has motivated us to continue working for so long. so look at him. and there's hope is will she pick these in bucklin? 33 and then there were blossoming there about it's a symbol of ukrainian land. says christopher, they should then we're going,

despite the war, flowers are flourishing their keegan, glucose, him across stone, alexandra cup shinkel makes french candles with paraffin. wax. b can provide heat as well as light and can be hugely had through the soldiers in freezing winter conditions. the big ones in boone for up to 7 hours and couldn't even help cook foot. alexandra reckons she's meat of a $1000.00 so far. one, it thought that there's up of the children to put on diana. derick benson on the front lines. few everything month gluten, but them and happy them for some widely question. what it said it gotten done yet little because you can't not do anything that charlie bit through shibel at that you have to support them shows like that. the bush carper whites out with some more mocks model bush to did that separate regional club. the lic, sandra's trench candles, will go with eureka again,

gary non leaves the relative safety of keith and heads for the was most dangerous hotspot. let's get a check. now some of the other stories making news this hour. germany is 3rd, ellen g gas terminal has arrived in the northern state of shirley's village. time economy minister, robert havoc was on hand to oversee its delivery. once installed, a pipeline will deliver liquefied natural gas from tankers. to germany's grid, it's part of berlin strategy to secure alternatives to russian gas. french president, a muddle micron, has announced plans to increase frances defense budget by a 3rd over the next 7 years. he made the statement on a visit to an air base in southwestern france. micron told military personnel he'd ask parliament to approve a new budget of 400000000000 euros through 2030 for you. as president joe biden

has visited areas in california, hit by deadly rain and snow storms. at least 20 people have died in the extreme. whether biden met with people impacted by the damage to determine want additional federal funds are needed to help and rebuilding. he said that any one doubting climate change quote must have been asleep. in recent years. months of anti government protests in iran have seen dozens of people killed by security forces and thousands more jailed executions of people involved in the protest have sparked international outreach. now some iranian actors have taken to the stage abroad to show their solidarity with their compatriots. we have this report from istanbul. baja rock saline a is getting ready for her big performance. she's written a theater play called women's wing. it's about violence against women in turkey and

most of all in her native iran. her role a protester who was shot dead by police. it's no longer just a story. the plot has become an example of life imitating art. but i don't have to abide is a, it's a form. i saw 2 weeks after i finished the script. masa, i mean, he died in iran, in classes that saw on this, and it made me want to use this play to give voice, to all iranian people who have with their alan, my at frederick said i wish them off for the last 7 years, sonia has lived in turkey as a refugee, like many other reiney and actresses. they support the protests in iran on stage and online, in turkey, they feel safe, but also helpless. if they paid him can by. yeah, i mean, sometimes i have the desire to go back to iran, but my friends warned me saying vill arrest has straight upon arrival and throw us into jail. so i stay and i feel guilty on, on martha in today's audience is

a man called caviar hunger. he was a member of the opposition in iran and was threatened with a ban on leaving the country and possibly prison. he fled to turkey, but doesn't feel safe. a hunger claims. the iranian secret service persecutes regime critics here to one i thought also people broke into my apartment, tied my hands behind my back of his threatened me with a knife and tried to abduct me. thanks to the help of my neighbors and a friend they didn't succeed as it is, was that i am off of measure them. since then he frequently changes apartments. during our interview, a woman films, us. when we confront her, she says she's a tourist and leaves. it's a familiar scene for hunger and to sign the conflict in iran is playing out right here in istanbul to for decades, thailand has been a tom destination for millions of chinese travelers. but the stream of tour is

dried up when the coven 19 pandemic struck. and china shot its borders. beijing has now eased his pandemic travel restrictions and thailand has begun welcoming back chinese torres with fanfare. it was the red carpet treatment for chinese tourists returning to thailand. they were met with applause, flowers and gifts on arrival. the countries, health minister was even there to greet them. we shouldn't get carried away, but we shouldn't panic either. but this is our chance of an economic recovery after all the immense losses of the last 3 years, while to lead about it all wrong. before the pandemic over a $100000.00 chinese tourists travel to thailand every year, making up 30 percent of all arrivals. now nearly 2000000 are expected in just 2 weeks, but concerns about the virus haven't gone away. so people are being extra careful and even getting extra vaccination boosters. if i'm worried about all of the

chinese tourists coming over here, this is my 6th dose, so i do feel more reassured now, monday, a good relaxing holiday. thailand's chinese guests have never needed one more than they do. now. we got all the 3. 03. 0 yeah. we do. category all does over 10. i got the order for euro. hello, good on. oh, joy over them. hey, certainly is. after a long wait to peru now, where thousands of demonstrators have poured into the capital lima. as the countries deadly political crisis deepens, supporters of alice of president pedro castillo, or demanding the resignation of his replacement president deena blue, arte good. they came by the thousands to oust a precedence. and after a week sipped turmoil and deadly violence, their demands are getting louder. ah,

more than $10000.00 police officers greeted demonstrates them the streets of the peruvian capital authorities taking no chances after the country's worst violence in 2 decades. and it's not long before tensions boy lava ah. with running battles between police and protest is continuing into the nights and was just on my return to those who are protesting daily who is financing you. why are you not working and what money you're bringing to your home? why are you leaving your families to protest at a site like i? yep. lucas. that was debit kidding. okay. but i really found that what you want to do is create chaos and disorder and emit that. chaos and disorder take over the

control of the country. no matter where the lender feel, oh, anger has been growing across peru since the arrest, the former president pedro castillo, the country's 1st leader from a rural andy and background. many of those demonstrating here have traveled from the poor and did regions. now bringing their fight to the capitol, fueled by mistrust in the countries elite and anger at the blood shed, linked to crackdowns on protest is in their home towns get him or lose her. we won't. dina will wanted to resign and the conquest to be restructured and that i found them we want a new constitution so that the country can find its way back to p. i suppose if you get i, you must. well, there is not poverty, i'm was my fin laura band, and most of there is nothing off here. no history is waiting for us. but that's why

we came here today to fight her hello charlie. president's body water has insisted she won't resign. her says she does support a push to bring forward elections for president on congress to 2024. but that's unlikely to quiet these protesters and help heal a country deeply divided. now to send me the other stories making news around the world, google's parent company, alphabet inc. his announce is cutting around $12000.00 jobs or 6 percent of its workforce. zoned are peach i alphabet c o said in a staff memo that the company's rapidly increased. tiring and recent years matched a different economic reality. the cars come days after arrival, microsoft said it would lay off $10000.00 workers in georgia. 5 people were killed when a gunman opened fire from an apartment balcony. the victims include his neighbors and a police officer authority, say the perpetrator, who was

a former soldier than killed himself. it happened in the town of sorry, joe east of the capital to be lazy. brazilian football player danny alvarez has been arrested in barcelona spain on sexual assault allegations. police say the alleged incident happened on new years eve in a nightclub in the coastal city alvarez will now go before a judge who will decide on the charges will right now you craning officials and their western partners have been meeting at ramstein air bays here in germany to discuss a major boost in military age for ukraine. all eyes are on germany and whether berlin will greenland deliveries of its modern leper, 2 tanks to ukraine. but the german defense minister is also stressing that no decision has been made. and that divisions over the issue still remain.