Shmyhal, Steinmeier meet in Germany

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal kicked off a working visit to Germany, where he already held a meeting with the country’s President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

That’s according to Shmyhal’s posting on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"We are starting our visit to Germany with a meeting with its President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Weapons, finances, sanctions, Russia's provocations at the ZNPP, our integration into the EU, our victory and reconstruction of Ukraine. All of this is on the agenda for discussion with our German allies," Shmyhal wrote.

He added that in order to win and expel the invaders from Ukraine’s lands, the country needs even more heavy weapons from the allies.

"The MARS II multiple-launch rocket systems and Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled artillery systems, which were handed over by Germany, performed well on the battlefield, and we hope to have heavy arms supplies increase. In addition, the transfer of the state-of-the-art German-made IRIS-T air defense system is expected this fall. At the same time, we expect that Germany will become one of the leaders in the process of building up our air defenses," Shmyhal noted.

Another element of support for Ukraine in the ongoing war was the financial assistance on the part of international partners. This week, Ukraine expects another tranche of macro-financial assistance from the EU in the amount of EUR 5 billion. This will help the government ensure economic stability, support for the Army, and a safe heating season, the Head of Government said.

"Among other important topics, we talked about the Ukraine Recovery Plan, which must be implemented now. Immediate repair of critical infrastructure, reconstruction of hospitals, schools and housing… We have started this all off. In 2023, funds and efforts must be increased tenfold, and we are sure that Germany and the EU will be champions in this regard," the Head of Government emphasized.

According to his report, President Steinmeier has once again assured his interlocutor that Germany will stand side by side with Ukraine in order to ensure its victory.