German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Ukraine for the first time in 2.5 years – on an unannounced visit.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Kyiv on an unexpected visit. He has not been to Ukraine for two and a half years. Exiting the Ukrzaliznytsia train, Scholz surprised the Ukrainians with a silver suitcase. What did the German Chancellor bring to Kyiv?
Germany and Ukraine for a long time
Scholz explained his visit by saying he wanted to express his solidarity with official Kyiv and make it clear that Germany will remain “the strongest supporter of Ukraine in Europe.”
Scholz announced the preparation of a package of military aid to Ukraine worth 650 million euros. It will contain the IRIS-T air defense system, launchers for Patriot and Gepard self-propelled guns, and Kyiv will receive it before the end of the year.
Also in the Ukrainian capital, Scholz expressed a message to Russian dictator Putin, with whom he recently spoke on the phone on November 15. “We’ve been here for a long time. Our support for Ukraine will not stop. We will stand by the Ukrainian people as long as necessary,” the chancellor said.
About Russia
Scholz arrived in Kyiv after speaking by phone with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin a few weeks ago. In a conversation with Putin on November 15, he “made it clear” that Ukraine has the right to be an independent, sovereign, democratic state, the chancellor said.
Scholz, responding to the question of how to conduct a dialogue about peace with a person who does not want it, said that “we can easily respond with a clear position, clear dialogue, and clear statements about what we will.”
“I made it very clear that Ukraine has the right to be a free, sovereign, democratic state that has decided it wants to be part of the European Union, and also has a strong army, and therefore can achieve its independence. Russia must stop the war and withdraw its troops. I also told him clearly,” Scholz said.
The chancellor also recalled his conversation with the dictator in Moscow, which took place on the eve of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
According to him, the parties have significant differences, especially on issues that, as Putin believes, have become “the basis for starting a war.”
“In my opinion, this has been planned for a long time. It was decided two years before the war started. It didn’t happen spontaneously three weeks or two months before, but instead it was something he meant,” said Scholz.
Route from Zelensky
Vladimir Zelensky, answering a question at a joint press conference with Scholz about the likely concessions that Russia should make in possible negotiations, said that the Russian Federation should go to three letters.
Zelensky added that “so far our plans have not changed.” “Of course, we really want to be stronger to end this war by 2025. Sorry for the undiplomatic language,” the head of state said.
Zelensky also noted that the main topics of negotiations with the German Chancellor were the strengthening of the front, the future role of the European Union and an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO.
What’s in the suitcase?
Scholz revealed what was actually in his silver suitcase, which was actively discussed on social networks. “How many details do you want to know? Basically, these are the things you take on the road. Something that needs to be changed. What they go through on the road,” he answered with a smile to reporters.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.