Merz will continue to assist Ukraine: Zelenskyy speaks with new chancellor for first time
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz (president.gov.ua)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held his first talks with Friedrich Merz in his capacity as Chancellor of Germany. The parties discussed support for Ukraine.
According to Zelenskyy, the talks with Merz were detailed and good. In particular, the president congratulated the chancellor on his appointment and wished him success.
The president noted that he expects Germany to maintain one of the key roles in supporting Ukraine — both to protect Ukrainians now and to help rebuild the country after the war ends.
"There is great potential for partnership between Ukraine and Germany, and we have already agreed to work on implementing many important matters. We discussed prospects for cooperation. The chancellor assured continued support for Ukraine. It was important to hear this," he added.
Zelenskyy also mentioned that he and Merz would work together on achieving a just peace between Ukraine and Russia. The president and the chancellor are planning a schedule for future contacts in the near term.
Merz became Chancellor
On Tuesday, May 6, the Bundestag approved Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor of Germany. He then took the oath of office.
Merz has repeatedly promised that he will continue to provide Ukraine with assistance in defending against the Russian invasion.
At the same time, the chancellor noted that Ukraine can count on him in the context of supplying long-range Taurus missiles, which the previous chancellor, Olaf Scholz, had refused to provide.
