German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Kyiv, announcing a $683 million military aid package set to be delivered this month.
"I arrived in Kyiv by train, as Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia for over 1,000 days," Chancellor Scholz stated on December 2 during his surprise visit to Ukraine. "I want to express solidarity and make it clear that Germany will remain the strongest European supporter of Ukraine."
Scholz announced a military aid package worth €650 million ($683 million) to Ukraine, which is expected to be delivered in December, during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He emphasized that Ukraine could rely on Germany because "we say what we will do and do what we say." This marked Scholz's second visit to Ukraine since the conflict with Russia began.
The visit came at a critical juncture for Scholz, as he faces a pivotal vote in February 2025 that could determine his political future following the collapse of his ruling coalition in November.
Public opinion in Germany remains divided: some call for increased support for Ukraine, while others urge an end to weapons transfers and military aid.
Context of the Visit
Scholz’s visit also coincided with Ukraine’s declining position on the battlefield and growing concerns about a potential reduction in U.S. military aid after President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump has pledged to swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, raising fears that he might pressure Ukraine into accepting a peace deal on Moscow's terms.
On December 1, President Zelensky stressed that Ukraine must secure NATO guarantees and additional weaponry to safeguard its defenses during any potential negotiations with Russia. Scholz echoed the need to combine strong military support with diplomacy to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty after the conflict ends.
Last month, Scholz held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, becoming the first Western leader to engage directly with Moscow in years. During the call, Scholz urged Russia to "demonstrate goodwill in negotiating with Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace," according to the German Chancellor's office.
Germany’s Role in Supporting Ukraine
Germany is the second-largest arms supplier to Ukraine after the United States, providing Leopard 2 main battle tanks, Patriot air defense systems, and IRIS-T surface-to-air missiles. However, Germany has declined Ukraine’s request for Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles, which have a range of 500 kilometers.
During a campaign event in Berlin on November 30, Scholz criticized the push to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine. He argued that confronting Russia, a nuclear power, with such measures would be "akin to playing Russian roulette with Germany's security."
Scholz’s balancing act between military aid and diplomatic measures reflects the growing complexities of supporting Ukraine while managing domestic and international pressures in the ongoing conflict.
(According to AFP, Reuters)
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