German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a surprise visit to Kyiv, pledging that Germany would remain Ukraine’s foremost supporter in Europe and promising the delivery of military aid worth €650 million this month.
This visit, his second since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago, underscores Germany’s backing during a time of uncertainty, especially with president-elect Donald Trump preparing to assume office in the White House and Russian forces making territorial advances.
Chancellor Scholz’s trip also coincides with a challenging re-election campaign, as he faces a snap vote in February following the collapse of his coalition in November.
Notably, this marks his second visit to Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion in early 2022.
His record on supporting Ukraine has faced scrutiny from both sides: those urging him to increase aid to Kyiv and others advocating for Germany to reduce its military assistance to Ukraine.
“With my renewed visit here in Kyiv, I want to express my solidarity with Ukraine,” stated Mr. Scholz.
“I want to make it clear here on the ground that Germany will continue to be Ukraine’s strongest supporter in Europe.”
“Ukraine can count on Germany – we say what we do. And we do what we say.”
The Chancellor has argued for a combination of strong military assistance and diplomacy as a means to eventually resolve the conflict while preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In mid-November, Mr. Scholz became the first Western leader in years to engage in a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mr. Zelensky criticized the call at the time, alleging that it opened a “Pandora’s Box” by undermining Mr. Putin’s international isolation.
Playing ‘Russian roulette’ with Germany’s security
During the call, Mr. Scholz condemned the war and “urged Russia to demonstrate a willingness to negotiate with Ukraine to achieve a fair and lasting peace,” according to statements from the Chancellor’s office.
Under Mr. Scholz’s leadership, Germany has emerged as the second-largest arms supplier to Ukraine, following the United States, but has refrained from supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Russia.
Germany has maintained this stance despite U.S. President Joe Biden authorizing Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles against Russia for the first time.
In a campaign speech delivered in Berlin on Saturday, Mr. Scholz criticized political opponents advocating for Germany to deliver its Taurus long-range missile system to Ukraine.
Addressing his Social Democratic Party, Scholz remarked that confronting Russia, a nuclear power, with such a threat would equal playing “Russian roulette” with Germany’s security.
Simultaneously, Mr. Zelensky emphasized the need for Ukraine to identify diplomatic solutions to reclaim occupied territories, in an interview with Kyodo News.
He indicated that such measures could only be considered “when we know we are strong enough.”
Mr. Zelensky mentioned that Mr. Trump and his team are reviewing the Ukrainian “victory plan” and anticipated further discussions to clarify “certain aspects,” according to the report.
The EU’s incoming top diplomat Kaja Kallas and European Council President Antonio Costa visited Kyiv in a symbolic display of support for Ukraine on their first day in office.
President of the European Council Antonio Costa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Ukraine during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“We came to convey a clear message: we stand with Ukraine and will continue to provide our full support,” asserted Mr. Costa.
The new leadership team of the European Union is eager to show that it remains resolute in its backing of Ukraine at this critical moment, nearly three years into its struggle against Russia’s invasive actions.
It is a privilege to be in Kyiv alongside @eucopresident Costa and Commissioner Kos.
In my first visit since assuming office, my message is unequivocal: the European Union desires Ukrainian victory in this war.
We will do whatever is necessary to achieve that. pic.twitter.com/swv1ZVAlyL
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) December 1, 2024
Tensions have escalated as Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to target government buildings in Kyiv with his new Oreshnik missile, utilizing it against Ukraine for the first time last month.
He claimed this action is a response to Ukraine receiving the go-ahead to attack inside Russia with U.S. and British missiles, threatening retaliation against the countries supplying these arms.
As winter sets in, Russia has launched devastating strikes against Ukraine’s power infrastructure, and on the front lines, Ukraine’s exhausted forces are conceding ground to Russia’s relentless offensive.
