Ukraine: Zelensky calls Germany a ‘true friend’ and vows to bring peace back to Europe ‘together’
- Once accused of reticence in supplying military equipment to Ukraine, Germany has since become a major contributor of tanks, rockets and anti-missile systems
- Zelensky will head to the city of Aachen, which is awarding him and the Ukrainian people the Charlemagne prize, given for efforts to foster European unity
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday called Germany a “true friend and reliable ally” in his country’s battle against Russia, as Berlin unveiled a huge new military package for Kyiv on his visit to the EU giant.
Zelensky’s trip to Germany follows meetings in Rome with Italian leaders and the pope, and comes as Kyiv is preparing a much-anticipated counteroffensive.
“In the most challenging time in the modern history of Ukraine, Germany proved to be our true friend and reliable ally, which stands decisively side-by-side with the Ukrainian people in the struggle to defend freedom and democratic values,” he wrote in the guestbook at the German president’s official residence.
“Together we will win and bring peace back to Europe,” he added in the entry, before heading into talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Ukrainian forces have been training troops and stockpiling Western-supplied munitions and hardware that analysts say will be key to reclaiming territory captured by Russia.
Once accused of reticence in supplying military gear to Ukraine, Germany has since become a major contributor of tanks, rockets and anti-missile systems.