Olaf Scholz makes unannounced visit to Kyiv
Photo: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Getty Images)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Kyiv on Monday, December 2, for an unannounced visit. This marks his second trip to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, informs Spiegel.
According to the media, Scholz's visit to Ukraine aims to demonstrate that Germany continues to support the country under Russian occupation.
"For more than 1,000 days now, Ukraine has been heroically defending itself against relentless Russian aggression," Scholz stated upon his arrival in Kyiv.
He emphasized that Germany "will remain Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe" and expressed hope for swift arms deliveries.
"During my meeting with President Zelenskyy, I will announce additional arms supplies worth 650 million euros, which will be delivered by the end of December. We say what we will do. And we do what we say," the Chancellor said.
Taurus missiles
Ukraine has been requesting Taurus missiles from Germany for months, but Berlin remains cautious. Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union party, supports the delivery of these missiles in exchange for an ultimatum to Russia to cease attacks on civilians. Among the supporters is also Green Party leader Robert Habeck, who is a candidate for chancellor in the 2025 elections.
Additionally, on November 15, Scholz called Putin for the first time in two years. During the conversation, he condemned Russia's actions in the war against Ukraine and urged Putin to withdraw his troops.
