German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a surprise visit to Ukraine, where he pledged continued support for Kyiv in its fight against Russia. However, he did not agree to supply German and Swedish-made Taurus long-range missiles, a key demand from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Scholz emphasized the need to balance support for Ukraine with avoiding escalating the conflict into a direct NATO-Russia confrontation.
While some Western nations have allowed Kyiv to conduct long-range strikes with supplied weapons, Russia recently used an intermediate-range ballistic missile in an attack on Ukraine. Scholz has been cautious about fast-tracking Ukraine’s NATO membership, prioritizing peace and ensuring Ukraine’s consent in the decision-making process.
During the visit, Zelenskyy highlighted ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine’s civilian areas and energy infrastructure, calling for increased support, particularly in terms of air defense systems. Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to providing military aid to Ukraine, including air defense systems.
The visit comes amid tensions following Scholz’s phone call with Putin, which Zelenskyy criticized. Scholz defended the call, stating that he aimed to remind Putin of Ukraine’s sovereignty and the international support for Kyiv. Zelenskyy also showed Scholz a military hospital and an exhibition showcasing drones developed in collaboration with German companies.
As Ukraine continues to face Russian aggression, the support from Western allies like Germany remains crucial. Scholz’s visit underscores the importance of balancing support for Ukraine with diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the conflict.
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