Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Germany, which he called a “true friend” and “reliable ally.” During his visit to Germany, the German government announced the shipment of additional weapons to support the Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russia. Zelensky thanked the German people and Chancellor Olaf Scholz for their support, which has saved Ukrainian lives. Scholz said that Germany will stand by Ukraine as long as necessary and stressed that the German commitment to Kyiv, including arms supplies, amounts to 17 billion euros.
During the visit, Zelensky requested German support for the delivery of fighter jets, a request that Germany has so far refused. In addition, he expressed his readiness to discuss peace, but only on Ukraine’s conditions.
The German government announced a new military aid plan for Ukraine worth €2.7 billion, including tanks, armored vehicles, surveillance drones, and air defense systems. Although relations between Ukraine and Germany in terms of military aid have been strained in the past, Germany has stepped up its support in recent months.
Zelensky’s tour also included a visit to Rome, where he met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Francis, whom he thanked for their attention to the tragedy facing Ukraine.
The situation on the frontlines remains tense, with Ukraine attempting to regain territory in the east of the country. Russia also claims to have made progress in the town of Bakhmut. The new German aid package is considered insufficient by some, and there are calls to overcome the “taboo” of delivering fighter jets.
On the ground, the Ukrainian army reported advances in the vicinity of Bakhmut, while Russia claimed it continued to advance on the town. Both sides have suffered casualties in the conflict.