Yesterday at 20:25
February 14, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Here are their key messages.
Chancellor Scholz noted:
Germany stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, we are surprised by the democratic transformations in the country.
Germany calls for direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow… If Russia again violates the territorial integrity of Ukraine, we are ready for serious sanctions.
President Zelensky assured me that Ukraine would submit draft laws on special status and elections (in Donbas, – ed.) for discussion.
You know Germany’s attitude on the issue of arms supplies. You know that we are already the largest financial donor for Ukraine. We are working on this issue again and again, if something changes, we will inform you.
Ukraine’s president Zelensky said:
Some embassies move to the western part of Ukraine – this is a big mistake. There is no western Ukraine – Ukraine is integral. Therefore, if something happens, it will embrace the whole territory. We are one country. I don’t think Lviv residents will take it normally. Because it looks very strange. But that’s their choice
Yesterday, 30 charters flew away. I think that we have a lot of investments. I hope they still flew away with empty luggage boots, without taking something out of Ukraine.
Unlike its NATO allies Britain and the US, Germany has refused to send arms to Ukraine to help the country defend itself from possible Russian aggression. Kyiv wants Berlin to change that policy and send weapons.
Read also: Biden called Ukraine’s Zelensky amid diplomatic efforts to defuse crisis
Western countries are winding down their diplomatic missions and urging their citizens to leave immediately after a frantic week of diplomacy failed to calm one of the most explosive standoffs since the Cold War.
February 7, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Kyiv, Berlin and Kyiv traced common red lines. We have gathered the key messages of the German position here.
