Scholz announces new military aid package for Ukraine
Germany is providing Ukraine with a EUR 2.7 billion military aid package that will help the Ukrainians effectively defend themselves against the aggressor.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said this at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin on Sunday, May 14, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
"We are providing very modern, very effective, quality weapons that help you defend yourself. […] We don't stop. We have just decided to provide a new package worth EUR 2.7 billion," Scholz said.
He noted that the new package includes additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles, Leopard 1 tanks, Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, IRIS-T air defense systems, etc.
In total, the chancellor said, Germany has provided about EUR 17 billion in aid to Ukraine since the war began. He noted that humanitarian, financial, economic and military support for Ukraine would continue "for as long as it takes."
The chancellor added that the partners are ready to support Ukraine for a long time, and this is a message to Moscow.
He said that Russia should withdraw its troops from Ukraine and that Germany, together with its partners, will ensure that the Russian aggressors are brought to justice.
"The guilty must be brought to justice," Scholz said.
He also noted that the imperial plans and ideas of Russian President Putin are a threat to everyone.
Zelensky thanked Germany for its support.
"I thank Germany for the largest military aid package since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. German air defense systems, artillery, tanks and infantry fighting vehicles are saving Ukrainian lives and bringing us closer to victory. Germany is a reliable ally. Together we are bringing peace closer," he wrote on Telegram.
The Ukrainian president is visiting Germany for the first time since the beginning of the full-scale war.