2024 February. Working visit of the President of Ukraine to Germany and France
President of Ukraine started negotiations with the Chancellor of Germany in Berlin
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy started a working visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.
The Head of State arrived at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin to start negotiations with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The leaders plan to discuss further defense, political, and financial support for Ukraine.
Following the negotiations, the Agreement on Security Cooperation between Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Germany is to be signed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olaf Scholz will also discuss support for Ukraine on its path to membership in the European Union and NATO.
In Berlin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olaf Scholz signed a security agreement between Ukraine and Germany in the framework of the G7 Vilnius Declaration
During his visit to Germany, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an agreement on security cooperation and long-term support between Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Germany with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The document was concluded in the framework of the Joint Declaration adopted by Ukraine and the members of the G7 in Vilnius on July 12, 2023.
With this unprecedented agreement, Germany reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders of 1991. Germany intends to provide support to Ukraine for as long as it takes to help our country defend itself and restore its territorial integrity.
The bilateral agreement is valid for ten years from the date of its signature and clearly sets out the specific components of the security commitments that Germany has made to Ukraine. In particular, the document defines the priority areas of bilateral security cooperation – military, political, financial, and humanitarian.
The agreement states that in 2024, Germany will provide more than €7 billion in military aid to Ukraine, significantly strengthening the Ukrainian army. Germany will continue to provide support to Ukraine throughout the validity of the document.
The parties also acknowledge the importance of imposing sanctions to restrict the Russian Federation's access to finance, goods, technologies and services used in its aggressive war. According to the document, Germany will work on maintaining sanctions pressure on Russia and combating sanctions evasion as long as Russia's war against Ukraine continues and until the territorial integrity of our country is restored.
In addition, Germany will continue its engagement in the Core group on options for the establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine to ensure effective accountability.
Germany reaffirmed its readiness, along with its partners in the EU and the G7, to pursue legal means to channel the revenues from Russian assets to support Ukraine.
The agreement also envisages a mechanism for emergency consultations in the event of a possible future armed attack by Russia on Ukraine, which is to be initiated at the request of any of the participants within 24 hours to determine the appropriate next steps.
In addition, the document reaffirms Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine's efforts on the path of reforms necessary to realize its aspirations for EU and NATO membership. Germany will also contribute to the current and future support of Ukraine by the European Union.
Ukraine has never had more powerful documents than the one signed today with Germany – Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the negotiations with Olaf Scholz
As part of his working visit to Germany, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Negotiations were held in narrow and expanded formats, and the bilateral agreement on security cooperation and long-term support was signed.
"Olaf, I would like to thank you personally for such a special attitude towards Ukraine, towards Ukrainians, and I would like to thank Germans, ordinary people, for their attitude towards us. This is a very powerful support for our warriors and for the people in Ukraine who are working for the sake of victory. And for sheltering so many Ukrainians who were forced to move abroad because of the war," the Head of State said addressing the German Chancellor in the course of the joint meeting with media representatives following the negotiations in Berlin.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the security agreement signed today is an unprecedented document that reflects not only the level of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Germany, but also Berlin's fundamental role in maintaining normalcy in Europe and the world.
"Annual financial support for our defense. And this year, more than 7 billion in defense support has been allocated. These are clear contracts, strict supplies. The agreement contains absolutely rational clauses on the accountability of Russia and all Russian war criminals for what they have done against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Every war crime committed by the occupiers must be punished, and this is totally fair. The agreement also fundamentally defines positions on sanctions against Russia and Russian assets frozen in various jurisdictions. Every such asset of the terrorist state must be confiscated and used for protection against Russian aggression and for recovery from Russian terror. It is particularly important for me that the agreement also reflects clear positions on European and Euro-Atlantic integration – our state is de facto already a part of the European and Euro-Atlantic communities, and this needs to be legally enshrined in due course," the President noted.
The Head of State thanked the teams of Ukraine and Germany for the preparation of the document.
Answering journalists' questions, Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that the agreement will remain in force until Ukraine becomes a NATO member.
"That is, our allies realize that we will eventually be there. And this is the key thing," he said.
As the President emphasized, what is most important is that the agreement contains specific figures on the amount of funding and the duration of support.
"These are specifics that a person in Ukraine can count on. These are security commitments. Ukraine has never had more powerful documents than the one we have signed today," the Head of State emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Germany for a new defense package worth more than €1 billion, which the Ukrainian army urgently needs right now.
"In particular, it is artillery, which is a critical need at the front. As well as guns, which are needed right now, and air defense systems, which are so crucial for our people today. Olaf, Mr. Chancellor, I really appreciate that you are not standing aside, as is the entire Germany. This artillery, this assistance will be on the frontline in the nearest future," the Head of State said.
According to him, during the talks in Berlin, the parties discussed in detail the situation at the front and the necessary provision of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the current international circumstances and given the enemy's superiority in weapons.
"We also discussed enhancing our air defense: Germany has already become one of the leaders in this kind of support, and I am grateful to you. Thousands of lives have been saved from Russian strikes, but there is a greater need for protection," the President emphasized.
"No matter how difficult it is and no matter what the challenges are, we must always remember that only in unity can we protect lives. Putin always kills. He is war himself. He will not stop. He can only be stopped – and only by all of us together. In cooperation. Dear Olaf, Germany, I thank you very much from the bottom of every Ukrainian's heart for such important support from your side. It is very significant and very substantive," Volodymyr Zelenskyy added.
For his part, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed the preparation of a new aid package for Ukraine worth 1.1 billion euros, which includes 36 howitzers, ammunition, 2 Skynex systems and missiles for IRIS-T.
The German Chancellor also called the signing of the security agreement between the two countries a historic step.
"It is difficult to overestimate this document, as it states that Germany will continue to support an independent Ukraine defending itself against Russian aggression for as long as it takes," Olaf Scholz said.
According to him, Germany will support Ukraine in building a modern, defense-capable Armed Forces to prevent any future Russian aggression.
"If Russia thinks about it in the future, we have detailed agreements in place – diplomatic, economic and military – on how we will help Ukraine," the Chancellor added.
In addition, the agreements encompass assistance in the civilian sphere, including demining, maintaining energy infrastructure, and reconstruction.
"This agreement reflects the values we share. It is based on democracy and the rule of law, on the order in which our societies want to live. For its part, Ukraine assumes responsibility for continuing the reforms aimed at joining the EU," he said.
He also emphasized that everyone wants this war to end as soon as possible. "Unfortunately, we see that Russia is not ready for a lasting and just peace. On the contrary, it continues to pursue its goals, as Putin has recently demonstrated to us again. We are sending a clear message to the Russian President: we will not reduce our support for Ukraine. We continue to stand with the Ukrainians," Olaf Scholz said.
President of Ukraine met with the Federal President of Germany in Berlin
During his working visit to Germany, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The Head of State emphasized that he was pleased to have the opportunity to thank Germany and its people for the powerful support they provide to Ukraine in this difficult time.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the attention to Ukrainians sheltered by Germany after the outbreak of full-scale Russian aggression and Frank-Walter Steinmeier's personal solidarity with our country, including his visit to the de-occupied Chernihiv region.
The President of Ukraine briefed the interlocutor on the situation at the front and the current needs of Ukraine's defenders in countering Russian aggression.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the great importance of the Agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and Germany signed today in Berlin, which is an important step in bolstering the defense capabilities of our country.
Separately, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized the importance of launching joint arms production.
The Presidents paid special attention to the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula.
They also focused on the further development of municipal and interregional partnerships between Ukraine and Germany, which should be embodied in specific agreements and projects. In particular, the parties agreed on further steps in preparation for the next Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Berlin in June this year.
In Paris, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron signed the Agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and France
During a working visit to France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an Agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and France with President Emmanuel Macron.
The document was signed in furtherance of the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine adopted by the G7 member states in Vilnius on July 12, 2023. The agreement will be valid for ten years.
In this document, France reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the strategic objective of a free, independent, democratic and sovereign Ukraine, within its internationally recognised borders as of 1991, capable of defending itself and deterring any future aggression.
Ukraine and France recognize the importance of the fundamental principles for a just peace laid out in Ukraine's Peace Formula.
The document aims to enhance bilateral security cooperation between Ukraine and France.
The agreement sets out the key components of France's long-term security commitments to Ukraine and prioritizes security cooperation in the military, political, financial, and humanitarian spheres.
According to the document, in 2024, the French Republic will allocate up to €3 billion in military aid and will continue to support Ukraine over the ten-year duration of this agreement.
In particular, France will provide military and civilian aid to enable Ukraine to defend its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity from the aggression of the Russian Federation.
Within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, the French side will play a leading role in the Artillery and Air Defense coalitions, as well as participate in the Air Force, Maritime Security and other coalitions.
France will also contribute to the development of Ukraine's defense industry, in particular by attracting French investment, localizing production on Ukrainian territory, and jointly producing top priority weapons and ammunition.
In addition, the French Republic will assist Ukraine in joining collective instruments for countering foreign interference and manipulation of information.
Together with the members of the G7 and other parties, France and Ukraine will work towards the establishment of a compensation mechanism to provide compensation for damage caused by Russia's aggression. France remains committed to pursuing robust sanctions against sectors of the Russian economy and those who are supporting or profiting from the war, or assisting in sanctions circumvention.
The parties also reaffirm that there must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities, and that the Russian Federation must be held legally accountable for them. Therefore, Ukraine and France will continue their engagement in the "Core group on options for the establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine".
The document provides for a mechanism of emergency consultations in the event of possible future armed Russian aggression, which is applied at the request of any party to the agreement within 24 hours to determine the measures necessary to counter or deter the aggression.
In addition, the document reaffirms France's full support for Ukraine's goal of joining the European Union and NATO. Furthermore, France confirms that Ukraine's future accession to the Alliance will make a useful contribution to peace and stability in Europe. According to the agreement, the parties will coordinate and increase joint efforts in support of Ukraine's accession to NATO, as well as the interoperability of our country's Security and Defense Forces with the armies of the Alliance members.
We signed an ambitious security agreement that strengthens Ukraine, our warriors and our people – Head of State after the meeting with the President of France
During a working visit to France, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron.
In the course of the negotiations in Paris, the heads of state signed the Agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and France to further the G7 Vilnius Declaration adopted in July 2023.
"I would like to thank you, Emmanuel, for the fact that our agreements always work and always inspire. Ukraine and France know how to add strength together to our defense, to our nations, and to our entire Europe. We have prepared and signed an ambitious security agreement. Not all of its details can be discussed openly today. But this is something that truly confirms that this war that Putin has unleashed against Ukraine and the whole of Europe has no future. But there is a future for our nations, for our common security, for a just peace that everyone in Europe deserves," the President of Ukraine said during a meeting with media representatives following the talks with Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the agreement between Ukraine and France provides for the allocation of €3 billion for defense this year, clear and principled support from Paris for Ukraine's full membership in NATO, sanctions against Russia for the war, and accountability for the Russian political leadership and all war criminals.
"In addition, we are bringing cooperation in the areas of information and cybersecurity, intelligence and counterintelligence, critical infrastructure protection and countering organized crime to a new level. Each of these elements is about the resilience of our states in protecting human lives," the President of Ukraine said.
Answering journalists' questions, the Head of State noted that each such bilateral agreement strengthens Ukraine, our warriors and our people.
He stated that each country with which Ukraine has signed bilateral documents – the UK, Germany, and France – are true leaders in the world's security and leaders in protecting Ukraine.
"It is important for us that the people of our countries see this. And it is very important for aggressive, hostile Russia to see that Ukraine is not alone and that the truly powerful countries of the world, with powerful economies and real values, do not abandon Ukraine, which is fighting hard for our freedom and for the values of these countries," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine, the needs of the Ukrainian army, prospects and opportunities.
"We regularly and meaningfully exchange views on the course of the war. And I am grateful to France and Mr. President for all the extremely targeted and powerful military assistance we receive. Today we have another defense package. It is exactly what we need. Artillery ammunition, cannons – effective Caesar systems, additional air defense reinforcement. This is an absolutely worthy response to Putin's attempts to increase pressure on our positions by taking advantage of supply problems from some partners. France is really helping. Thank you," the Head of State said.
The President emphasized the importance of launching cooperation between Ukraine and France in the field of defense production, which envisages localization and joint production of weapons, as well as the transfer of certain innovative technologies from France to Ukraine.
"Today we have discussed in detail the joint production of drones and electronic warfare. This is extremely important. And each of our achievements will work for the common good of our nations," he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also emphasized that the President of the Russian Federation has now become one of the bloodiest dictators in European history and called on all leaders in the world who value life to work together to establish justice.
French President Emmanuel Macron, for his part, noted that French assistance is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. According to him, the bilateral agreement on security cooperation will remain in force until Ukraine joins NATO.
"France plans to continue supporting Ukraine in terms of military equipment supplies, defense industry cooperation, training, intelligence, and assistance to the civilian sector. We are ready to enhance our defense industrial and technological base for the benefit of European defense," he said.
In addition, Emmanuel Macron endorsed the idea of issuing Eurobonds to mobilize the defense industry.
"We are determined to support you. We will stand shoulder to shoulder and we are convinced that by acting together, we are protecting not only Ukraine, but also what unites us – our values. France will stand by your side today and tomorrow. I assure you of our support, which will last for as long as it takes," the French President said, addressing Volodymyr Zelenskyy.