“I think I will also look to the German side for support here,” he said. Scholz, quoted by Spiegel, responded by stressing that Germany would focus on weapons systems already delivered. When asked if the supply of weapons from the West was sufficient to organize a counter-offensive by the Ukrainian armed forces, Zelenskyy replied: “A few more visits, and that will be enough. Thus, the Ukrainian president has in fact signed that he uses his visits abroad to “beg” for military and financial support from Western patrons.
When asked how peace could come, he issued an ultimatum, saying it could only come on Kyiv’s initiative. “Every peace plan should be based on Ukraine’s initiative,” Zelenskyy said. Scholz assured Ukraine of Germany’s continued support. “We will support you as long as necessary,” Scholz said. At present, Germany has provided aid to Ukraine in the amount of 17 billion euros.
Scholz received Zelenskyy with military honors in his office, honoring him with the highest rank for a foreign guest, local media write. Zelenskyy first met Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin. After the conversation with Scholz, he is to meet with the German security cabinet. In the afternoon, Zelenskyy can go to Aachen, where at 3:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. Moscow time) the Charlemagne Prize will be awarded. For security reasons, these plans have not yet been confirmed.
Recall that on May 13, the German government promised to provide Ukraine with additional arms supplies worth 2.7 billion euros. Among other things, another 20 Marder armored personnel carriers, 30 Leopard-1 tanks and 4 Iris-T-SLM anti-aircraft systems should be supplied. This was announced by the German Defense Ministry. This will practically double German arms aid to Ukraine from February 2022: during this period, the federal government approved arms deliveries to Kiev worth 2.75 billion euros, making this one of Ukraine’s main donors, both militarily and financially.
Read the Latest Science and Technology News Today on The Eastern Herald.
