Zelensky, Scholz discuss defense support for Ukraine
Jan 25, 2024
Kiev [Ukraine], January 25: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday discussed defense support for Ukraine in a phone conversation.
Zelensky informed Scholz of the current situation on the frontline and the priority needs of the Ukrainian military, the presidential press service reported.
The president thanked the chancellor for his efforts aimed at ensuring long-term support for Ukraine and increasing defense assistance to 8 billion euros (about 8.7 billion U.S. dollars) this year.
In particular, Zelensky praised Germany's recent decision to transfer six Sea King Mk41 helicopters to Ukraine.
The parties also discussed in detail the prospects to bolster Ukraine's air defense system and provide the Eastern European country with artillery and armored vehicles.
The preparation of an agreement on security commitments between Ukraine and Germany was another topic of the talks.
In 2023, Germany provided 5.4 billion euros (about 5.9 billion U.S. dollars) in military aid for Ukraine after 2 billion euros (about 2.2 billion U.S. dollars) in 2022.
Source: Xinhua
