Scholz vows to keep up assistance to Ukraine
During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated Germany's commitment to continued assistance to Ukraine, stressing that air defense remains a key priority.
He emphasized that Germany is the strongest military supporter of Ukraine in Europe and the second strongest in the world, and assured the Ukrainian head of state that it will remain so.
The Chancellor said that Germany recently provided Ukraine with a new comprehensive military support package worth more than EUR 600 million, which includes IRIS-T, infantry fighting vehicles, main battle tanks, self-propelled howitzers, ammunition, drones, and other equipment.
He also emphasized that Germany is helping Ukraine ahead of winter as Russia has deliberately attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Scholz noted that Russia's goal is obviously to break the wave of resistance among the civilian population.
Thus, the Chancellor recalled that Germany has committed to allocate additional EUR 170 million to Ukraine in the short term in order to quickly repair the most serious damage and restore heat supply.
All this indicates that Ukraine can rely on Germany, Scholz said, adding that it is also a clear signal to Putin that playing for time will not work as Ukraine's partners will not weaken their support.