News

German-made Leopard 1 Tanks heading from Belgium to Ukraine

Published

2 years ago

August 9, 2023

A European nation has acquired dozens of second-hand Leopard 1 tanks, formerly belonging to Belgium, to provide support to Ukrainian forces engaged in combat against Russia’s invasion.

These German-made Leopard 1 tanks were a focal point of contention earlier this year when Belgian Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder stated that the government had explored repurchasing tanks to aid Ukraine, but faced exorbitant pricing.

This clash underscored the dilemma Western governments face in sourcing weaponry for Ukraine after more than a year of intense conflict – weapons once discarded as outdated are now in high demand, often held by private companies.

Freddy Versluys, CEO of defense company OIP Land Systems, purchased the tanks from the Belgian government over five years ago. He revealed to Reuters that he has now sold all 50 tanks to another European nation, the identity of which remains confidential due to a non-disclosure agreement. The transaction amount also remains undisclosed.

Export to Ukraine

Germany’s Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Tuesday evening that arms manufacturer Rheinmetall (RHMG.DE) has acquired the tanks and will prepare most of them for export to Ukraine. Rheinmetall declined to comment.

Versluys posted on LinkedIn, accompanied by a photo of tanks beside a bottle of Ukrainian vodka: “The fact that they leave our company proves that we asked for a fair market price and someone was more than happy to take them.”

He further noted that the tanks are presently being transported to a factory for comprehensive refurbishment. Some will serve as spare parts, while others will undergo repair. Versluys estimated that it could take four to six months before these tanks are operational on the Ukrainian battlefield.

Several Western allies of Kyiv had previously agreed to provide modern Leopard 2 tanks and older Leopard 1 models to Ukraine.

The Leopard 1, produced by the German firm Krauss-Maffei since the 1960s, is lighter than the Leopard 2 and features a distinct main gun. The models sold by Versluys underwent their last upgrade in the 1990s.

News

Greenland says “No” to U.S. takeover — Chooses Denmark in geopolitical showdown

Greenland’s PM chooses Denmark over U.S. amid Trump’s controversy over Arctic control, emphasizing sovereignty and local sentiment.

Published

9 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Greenland’s PM chooses Denmark over U.S. amid Trump’s controversy over Arctic control, emphasizing sovereignty and local sentiment.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen has delivered a clear message amid renewed pressure from the U.S. — if forced to choose between the United States and Denmark, Greenland will pick Denmark, NATO, and the EU.

Nielsen made the declaration in Copenhagen alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen ahead of diplomatic talks with top U.S. officials.

The announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has again stoked controversy by suggesting Washington could pursue ownership or control of Greenland, citing strategic interests in the Arctic. European leaders and Greenlandic officials have pushed back strongly against these ideas, emphasising sovereignty and respect for international law.

This standoff places Greenland’s future in the spotlight — as Copenhagen and Nuuk reaffirm their ties, local sentiment remains overwhelmingly opposed to U.S. annexation and supportive of Greenland’s own path forward.

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#Greenland #Trump #Denmark #ArcticPolitics #NATO #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations

News

Trump promises aid amid Iran unrest

Trump urges Americans in Iran to evacuate amidst escalating protests and vows support for protesters seeking freedom.

Published

9 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump urges Americans in Iran to evacuate amidst escalating protests and vows support for protesters seeking freedom.

President Trump has called on Americans in Iran to evacuate as tensions escalate following the government’s violent crackdown on antigovernment protesters. He has ruled out negotiations and encouraged protesters to continue their efforts, hinting that aid could be on the way.

The unrest in Iran has reportedly resulted in over 2,000 deaths, including both protesters and security forces. U.S. officials are reportedly weighing various responses, from sanctions to potential military options, though no immediate action has been confirmed.

Trump delivered a direct message to the people of Iran, emphasising support for their push for freedom and safety amid the growing crisis.

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#IranProtests #Trump #USPolitics #MiddleEastCrisis #HumanRights #EvacuationAlert #GlobalNews #TickerNews

News

Trump escalates pressure on the Federal Reserve with Powell probe

Trump administration investigates Fed Chair Powell, raising concerns over political pressure on monetary policy and economic stability.

Published

1 day ago

January 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump administration investigates Fed Chair Powell, raising concerns over political pressure on monetary policy and economic stability.

The Trump administration has launched a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, dramatically escalating tensions between the White House and the central bank.

The probe centres on Powell’s testimony over a controversial renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters, raising alarm over whether political pressure is being applied to monetary policy decisions.

The move has sparked fierce debate in Washington, with critics warning it could undermine investor confidence and destabilise economic expectations.

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#FederalReserve #JeromePowell #DonaldTrump #USPolitics #MonetaryPolicy #Markets #Inflation #TickerNews