Zelensky, Germany’s Habeck hold talks during trip to Chernihiv region

That’s according to the President’s Office, Ukrinform reports.

The head of state expressed gratitude for the effective support and solidarity with Ukraine on the part of the government of Germany and Robert Habeck personally since the first days of Russia’s full-scale aggression.

"Your visit sends a powerful signal for our citizens, our military, all of us," said Volodymyr Zelensky.

He stressed that the senior official’s visit to Chernihiv region is important in the context of commencing the program of patronage over the municipal partnership of Ukraine and Germany by the presidents of the two states last year.

The Ukrainian president separately thanked Germany for its leadership in providing Ukraine with the necessary defense weapons, including Leopard main battle tanks and Marder IFVs, as well as for its contribution to the protection of the Ukrainian sky. The importance of continued assistance was emphasized.

"Today we are highly motivated to de-occupy our country," stressed Volodymyr Zelensky.

The president welcomed the willingness of German businesses to join the reconstruction of Ukraine. The parties emphasized the importance of confirmation by the German side of risk insurance for businesses eager to invest in Ukraine now.

In particular, during the trip to Chernihiv region, Volodymyr Zelensky, together with the German vice chancellor, observed progress in restoration work on the bridge crossing over the Desna River (Kyiv Bridge) and attended the presentation of the project for the reconstruction of other bridge crossings in the region.

The said bridge was destroyed on March 23, 2022 by a Russian airstrike. Since then, traffic to and from Chernihiv is carried out via a temporary pontoon crossing.

The president and the vice chancellor were briefed on plans for setting up a temporary passage on the existing bridge and construction of a new two-lane crossing next to it. In the future, the existing bridge will be dismantled and a new one will be erected next to it.

The German side was offered to look into taking part in funding the restoration of the region's bridge infrastructure.

In total, as a result of the full-scale invasion, 35 artificial structures and bridges were destroyed or damaged across Chernihiv region.