In a meeting with German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, Volodymyr Zelenskyy detailed urgent needs of Ukraine’s defense forces on the battlefield.
Ways to further strengthen the Ukrainian air defense system, in particular to protect the south of Ukraine and the “grain corridor” were deliberated on in the meeting which was held on Monday, September 11, 2023.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of attracting additional assistance from partners to bolster artillery.
Zelenskyy thanked Germany for its military and financial support to Ukraine.
“I am grateful to Chancellor Scholz, his team and the entire German people. During my visit to Germany, we felt strong support from your society,” he said.
Zelenskyy and Baerbock exchanged views on Ukraine’s European integration and the progress made by Ukraine in implementing the recommendations of the European Commission on the status of a candidate for EU membership.
Also, Zelenskyy underscored Ukraine’s readiness to cooperate closely with Germany in the preparation for the next international conference on Ukraine’s recovery, which is to be held in Berlin in the summer of 2024.
On her part, Baerbock promised support for Ukraine’s path toward European Union membership while calling for additional reforms in the country.
“With enormous courage and determination, Ukraine is also defending the freedom of all of us,” Baerbock noted in a statement released by her ministry.
“In the same way that Ukraine stands up for us, it can also count on us,” she added.
In addition, Baerbock pledged continued military, economic, and humanitarian support for the country and said the 22 billion euros ($23.6 million) provided so far now made Germany second to the U.S. in terms of total support.
Baerbock Meets Ukrainian Foreign Minister
Earlier on Monday, Baerbock held talks with her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba.
The two officials discussed the development of bilateral relations, expansion of the coalition in support of the Peace Formula, new ways to export grain, and the provision of additional weapons.
“We discussed in detail the provision of Germany’s long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Today, we better understand the specifics of the process of a final decision-making by the German government. For its part, Ukraine is ready to do everything necessary to speed it up. Following the negotiations, I can say that the option of providing these missiles remains open, and the decision-making process in Germany is moving forward.”
Dmytro Kuleba
Kuleba disclosed that they talked about the participation of Germany and German companies in the first Forum of Defense Industries, which will be held in Ukraine soon.
“The German government and defense companies have expressed great interest in the event and will take an active part in it,” Kuleba stated.
Furthermore, Kuleba expressed gratitude to the German side for the powerful defense support that the German government provides to Ukraine.
He especially noted the effectiveness of the German Gepard anti-aircraft systems, which performed exceptionally in protecting Ukrainian settlements from Russian terror and saving many lives.
The Ukrainian Minister divulged that the parties had discussed additional strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense capabilities on the eve of the upcoming winter season and expected Russian attacks on the country’s energy system.
Moreover, Kuleba expressed personal gratitude to Baerbock for her efforts to get Ukrainian children back from Russian captivity.
The Ministers separately underlined the agreement to work together for the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
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