Berlin, Kyiv close to agreeing on security assurances - Scholz
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made the statement at a joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Berlin on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
Scholz confirmed an ongoing intensive exchange with President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he called earlier today. The two leaders will also speak in the near future. During today's talks, the issue of "security partnership", which both parties are intensively preparing, played a major role.
"I assume that we will finalize this soon...I have a feeling that we are on the verge of finalizing negotiations," the chancellor said.
He promised to announce the details once the document is ready and signed.
On Germany’s behalf, the chancellor assured that Berlin will support Ukraine for as long as it takes because the Russian war threatens the very existence of Ukraine as a sovereign state, as evidenced by the blunt imperialist statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The chancellor did not agree with the suggestion that the reason for the ongoing war is the lack of initiatives and negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. He recalled that by February 24, 2022, more than 200 meetings had been held within the framework of the Minsk agreements and in the Normandy format. This did not stop Russia from attacking all of Ukraine, Scholz stressed.
"No country seeks peace as much as Ukraine. But two years into this war, we must admit that there is no easy solution in sight," the politician said.
Germany, he recalled, laid down in this year’s budget over EUR 7 billion on security assistance to Ukraine. Scholz expects that other EU countries will increase their aid packages as well.
The head of the German government hopes that the EU summit on February 1 will show determination to stand with Ukraine.
"Our common signal to Russia should be that we will support Ukraine, which is fighting for its survival and sovereignty, for as long as it takes," the chancellor said.
Scholz referred to the Russian war against Ukraine as "the main political and security challenge for Europe."
Europe can overcome these and all other challenges only by staying united, he added.
"It has never been more important for EU and NATO partners to coordinate closely," Scholz said.
During the dinner, which took place after the briefing, the two heads of government discussed, in particular, the topics that will be raised at the European Council on February 1, primarily the allocation of EUR 50 billion for Ukraine. Scholz expressed hope that the decision will be approved by all 27 member states.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine discussed with Germany’s Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz the issue of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine from the European Union.
