Germany is Strengthening its Support for Ukraine's Defense - Zelensky
Following a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock in Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced additional military assistance from Germany.
This was reported by the official website of the President of Ukraine.
"Today, there is good news. We are preparing to strengthen the package of defensive support from Germany - anti-aircraft defense, artillery, equipment. What we agreed with Chancellor Scholz, what we discussed with Germany's Foreign Minister Baerbock - I met with her today in Kyiv. It is very important that our partners hear the needs of our state, our soldiers, the protection of our energy. I am confident that there will be results," Zelensky said in his evening video address.
Zelensky also thanked Germany for its consistent leadership in supporting Ukraine and the "significant support" provided by Germany in the military and financial sectors.
"I thank Chancellor Scholz, his team, and the entire German nation. During my visit to Germany, we felt strong support from your society," he emphasized.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also held a meeting with her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, in Kyiv, during which the parties discussed the development of bilateral relations, the expansion of the coalition regarding the Ukrainian peace formula, and new ways of exporting Ukrainian grain.
Special attention was given to Germany's transfer of long-range Taurus missiles, which are needed by Ukrainians to target Russian headquarters and depots at long distances. After talks with the German government, Kuleba stated that the process of deciding on the transfer of such missiles is "moving forward."
"We discussed in detail the provision of German long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Today, we better understand the specifics of the decision-making process within the German government. From our side, Ukraine is ready to do everything necessary to expedite it. Following the negotiations, I can say that the option of providing these missiles remains open, and the decision-making process within Germany is progressing," Kuleba said.
The ministers also agreed to work together on the return of Ukrainian children who were kidnapped by Russia.
"The first step toward peace is the return of these children. We will continue to support Ukraine wherever we can to find every child. Examine every lead. Continue the search until all the children return to where they belong: home," Baerbock wrote on her Twitter.
As previously reported by The Gaze, Baerbock arrived in Kyiv on September 11 for an unannounced visit, marking her fourth visit since the start of the full-scale invasion. The previous visit by Germany's Foreign Minister took place in September 2022.