Zelenskyy’s plane, belonging to the German Air Force, flew to the German capital from Rome, where he met Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday.
On the eve of his arrival, which took place amid strict security measures, the German government announced a new military aid program for Ukraine with more than 2.7 billion euros (3 billion dollars) in aid, including tanks, air defense systems and ammunition.
Zelenskyy tweeted: “Already in Berlin we will discuss weapons, air defense, reconstruction, European Union membership, NATO and security.”
After initially reluctant to supply Ukraine with lethal weapons, Germany has become one of the largest arms suppliers to Kiev, with Berlin sending Leopard 1 and 2 main battle tanks and the advanced Iris air defense system -TSLM.
The role of modern Western weapons is crucial if Ukraine is to succeed in its planned counter-offensive against Russian forces.
After meeting Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other senior Chancellery officials, the two leaders are expected to travel to the western city of Aachen to receive Zelenskyy’s International Charlemagne Prize, as well as to the Ukrainian people.
Organizers say the award honors resistance to the Russian invasion and defense not only of the country’s sovereignty, but also of Europe and European values.
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