The German chancellor visited Ukraine to reiterate his support for the Ukrainian cause, while supporting his refusal to deliver Taurus missiles.
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During his surprise visit to Kyiv on Monday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz supported his refusal to send long-range Taurus-type missiles to Ukraine, while emphasizing that his support for Kyiv remained strong.
“We have our own judgment regarding the relevance of a deployment,” says German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. “This is linked to the scope and the need to control targeting, and that is why we have stated that there will be no deployment. This in no way diminishes our support, which is very strong, and – it is important for me to say it – which will remain so”.
It was Olaf Scholz's first visit in just over two years, coming weeks after criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone call between the German chancellor and the Russian president. Vladimir Putin. It also comes at a time when Ukrainian forces are retreating on the front and when the arrival in January of Donald Trump at the White House raises fears of a cessation of American aid to kyiv.
“Russia does not give gifts. And we can only guarantee peace by force: the force of our weapons, our diplomacy and our cooperation,” urged Mr. Zelensky during a press conference with by Olaf Scholz, deeming it “fundamental” for kyiv that Berlin “does not reduce its support next year”.
Volodymyr Zelensky said German air defense systems had helped save tens of thousands of people in Ukraine, but he also said this support needed to be strengthened.
During the visit, the Ukrainian President took Olaf Scholz to a military hospital, where they spoke with wounded soldiers.
