Germany expects Ukraine to continue fighting corruption, says Merz
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
After the corruption scandal, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy promised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that he would support independent anti-corruption agencies. He also pledged to "regain the trust of the Ukrainian people," states German government spokesperson Stefan Cornelius, according to The Guardian.
"Zelenskyy informed (Merz) about the corruption investigations against members of his government who have since resigned, pledging full transparency and long-term support for independent anti-corruption agencies," he said.
According to him, the Ukrainian president also pledged further "swift measures to regain the trust of the Ukrainian people, European partners, and international donors."
Cornelius noted that Merz emphasized the German government’s expectation that Ukraine "would vigorously pursue the fight against corruption and further reforms," particularly in the area of the rule of law.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed strengthening air defense and arms exports with Friedrich Merz. The Ukrainian leader briefed the German chancellor on the situation at the front, and the parties also spoke about steps that could help protect Ukraine.
The president stressed that, thanks to Germany’s assistance since the start of the full-scale war, thousands of lives have been saved. Particularly valuable, he said, are air defense systems, defense packages, and support for the country’s resilience.
Stefan Cornelius stated that the German government continues to trust Ukraine amid the corruption scandal in the energy sector. He added that Germany will closely monitor developments.
According to him, Germany trusts the Ukrainian government and anti-corruption agencies and believes that the corruption case will be investigated and brought to a logical conclusion.
