Today at 21:21
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz held one-on-one talks and extended-format negotiations during his visit to Ukraine. The main topics were all possible ways to strengthen Ukraine both militarily and diplomatically in the coming weeks and months, as well as cooperation at the bilateral level and with other partners.
The head of state noted that this was Olaf Scholz’s first bilateral visit to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. During this time, they have met 17 times at international events and in Germany, and communicated over 30 times by phone and online. Additionally, in the summer of 2022, the German chancellor visited Kyiv together with the leaders of France, Romania, and Italy.
The President thanked Germany for its significant and tangible support, highlighting that Germany ranks first in Europe in terms of aid provided.
“Germany’s leadership in helping protect our skies is especially significant: Germany has provided the most air defense systems for Ukraine. Olaf, I want to personally thank you and the entire German society for this,” the head of state said.
He added that the Patriot, IRIS-T, and Gepard air defense systems supplied by Germany have already saved tens of thousands of lives and hundreds of infrastructure facilities. The President also expressed gratitude for the new military aid package worth €650 million and its clear delivery schedule – set for this month.
Topics discussed during the meeting included the continuation of defense cooperation, maintaining sanctions pressure on Russia, and sustaining Germany’s level of support for Ukraine next year.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the key to joint security on the continent lies in geopolitical clarity, which involves resolving two issues for every European country – regarding the EU and NATO.
“For Ukraine, both of these issues are fundamental. The sooner we receive answers to them, the sooner Russia’s aggressive ambitions will be curtailed,” he stressed.
Olaf Scholz stated that the total amount of assistance Germany has provided to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion amounts to approximately €28 billion. Specifically, to strengthen air defense, Germany has supplied five complete IRIS-T systems, three Patriot systems, over 50 Gepard anti-aircraft guns with missiles, shells, and spare parts. In December, the delivery of another IRIS-T system, Patriot, and Gepard installations is planned.
“In 2025, we will also supply air defense systems, howitzers, combat and reconnaissance drones. Additionally, six armed Sea King helicopters. I want to say very clearly to Putin here, in Kyiv, today: we are not tired. And we will support Ukraine for as long as it takes,” he said.
The German Chancellor also noted that Ukraine has made significant progress on its path to EU membership and assured Germany’s continued support.
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