Zelenskyy and Scholz discuss strengthening air defense, artillery, and armored vehicles
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo: Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today, January 24, had a phone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The parties discussed, among other things, defense cooperation and the strengthening of military support, according to the Telegram channel of the head of the state.
During the conversation, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for "personal efforts in the comprehensive long-term support of Ukraine by Germany," the increase in defense assistance to Ukraine for 2024 to 8 billion euros, and the recent decision to transfer six Sea King Mk41 helicopters to the Armed Forces.
The parties also discussed further defense cooperation, including the strengthening of the Ukrainian air defense system, as well as artillery and armored vehicles.
"Attention was paid to the start of actual negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. I noted Germany's important role in this and emphasized the need for further support for Ukraine," Zelenskyy stated.
Additionally, the conversation addressed the issue of providing macro-financial assistance to Ukraine from the European Union.
"We separately discussed the preparation of an agreement between Ukraine and Germany on security guarantees and measures for bilateral political dialogue in the near future," the statement said.
Germany's assistance to Ukraine
In recent weeks, Berlin has repeatedly called on other European countries to strengthen support for Ukraine.
On January 9, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that the planned arms deliveries to Ukraine by most EU member states were "insufficient." Following his statement, Brussels is conducting a review to determine how much arms EU member states have provided to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion.
On January 23, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Germany would allocate six multi-role Sea King helicopters to Ukraine.
The German Defense Minister also stated that Germany would continue to assist Ukraine in 2024, planning to train 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers and deliver tanks and other equipment.
