Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid an official visit to Germany on May 14 for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine. During his visit, President of Ukraine met with Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz and Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
President Zelenskyy expressed his sincere gratitude to Olaf Scholz and the entire German people for every Ukrainian life that was saved thanks to the support of Germany.
“I want to emphasize that Germany’s assistance is about protecting lives. The lives of our people in cities and villages, which are reliably protected, in particular, by the air defense systems you have provided. The lives of our soldiers on the battlefield, which are protected by the armored vehicles you have provided. Social life in Ukraine, which is protected by your financial support, which is very important. Ukraine knows how to be grateful and will always be grateful to your country,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a conversation with media representatives following the negotiations with the head of the German government in Berlin.
“I believe that your leadership – yours, Olaf, and that of the entire Germany – leadership in the defense of peace can make the world safer. The more we cooperate for peace, the more Germany is a leader in defending peace, the more stability international relations will have,” he added.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that Germany earmarked more than 11 billion euros for the current and future years to continue its security support for Ukraine. In addition, Germany’s participation in the European Peace Facility is extremely significant.
“Today, Germany is second only to the United States in terms of aid. This is very powerful,” he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude to every German family, taxpayer, city and federal state for the sincere and rational support for Ukrainians who have taken refuge in Germany to flee Russian military aggression.
“Saving lives is saving the world. These words are worth saying today, on Mother’s Day. I congratulate every mother, every child, every family on this day,” the President of Ukraine said.
President Zelenskyy emphasized that in order for this war to end with a just and fair peace, for Ukraine and the whole of Europe to be free, and for the territorial integrity and security of all European nations to be guaranteed, we must act now.
“This year we can make the aggressor’s defeat irreversible. I am grateful for the largest security package for us since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, amounting to more than 2.7 billion euros. This is a powerful support. These are additional air defense systems and missiles to them, new guns, shells… Everything in this security package will significantly strengthen our defense against Russian terror. Thank you for this!” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
For his part, the German Chancellor emphasized that Russia’s brutal aggression has major geopolitical consequences, but it primarily affects the citizens of Ukraine. He assured of further support for the Ukrainian people. This solidarity continues, it is stable and powerful, Olaf Scholz stated.
“The close relations between our countries will last for decades. Given the terrible war, we are working even more closely with you today. We support Ukraine not only in the humanitarian sphere, but also in the political sphere, we support it financially and, of course, we provide military assistance. I have repeated this many times and I say it again today: we will support you for as long as you need us,” he assured.
The German Chancellor noted that as part of its military assistance to Ukraine, Germany provides modern weapons for defence. Leopard tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles, IRIS-T air defense systems, howitzers, multiple launch rocket systems, etc. A new package worth 2.7 billion euros has also been approved recently.
Olaf Scholz emphasised that Germany is among the countries that support bringing Russia to justice for war crimes committed in Ukraine.
During the negotiations, the President of Ukraine informed the German Chancellor of the situation on the frontline and the ability of Ukrainian troops to restore freedom and security.
The two parts also considered preparations for international events, for the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and strengthening global coordination for the sake of stability and peace in international relations. They also coordinated positions on the eve of the Group of Seven summit to be held in May in Hiroshima, Japan.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olaf Scholz also discussed Ukraine’s membership in the European Union and NATO.
During the meeting, a Joint Statement on Comprehensive Cooperation was approved, which reflects the level of relations and cooperation between Ukraine and Germany.
