On October 11, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Berlin for discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, focusing on military support and energy infrastructure recovery. During the meeting, Scholz stated that Germany remains the strongest military supporter of Ukraine in Europe, pledging additional military aid worth approximately €1.4 billion, including air defense systems and artillery.
Scholz emphasized that Germany's support sends a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, rejecting any notion of a 'dictated peace' and advocating for a just and lasting peace based on international law. Zelenskyy highlighted the necessity for continued support into the next year, expressing Ukraine's desire for a swift resolution to the conflict.
After the meeting, President Zelenskyy was welcomed by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who reiterated the urgency of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. The discussions come as Zelenskyy has been actively seeking increased military assistance from various European leaders during his tour, which included stops in London, Paris, and Rome.
This meeting underscores Germany's pivotal role in supporting Ukraine amidst the ongoing war, as well as the broader implications for European security and stability.