Bolstering Air Defense, Continued Defense Support and Joint Weapons Production – Key Outcomes of the Meeting Between the President of Ukraine and the Chancellor of Germany
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz had a meeting during his visit to Ukraine and held one-on-one talks and a meeting in an extended format. The discussions centered on enhancing Ukraine’s battlefield and diplomatic capabilities in the coming weeks and months, bilateral cooperation, and collaboration with other partners.
The Head of State highlighted that this was Olaf Scholz's first bilateral visit to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Over this time, the two leaders have met 17 times at international events and in Germany, and held over 30 phone and online conversations. Olaf Scholz also visited Kyiv in the summer of 2022 with leaders from France, Romania, and Italy.
The President expressed gratitude to Germany for its substantial and tangible support, noting that Germany is the leading European country in terms of assistance provided.
"Germany’s leadership in helping protect our skies is particularly significant: it is Germany that has provided Ukraine with the largest amount of air defense systems. Olaf, I want to thank you personally and the entire German society for this," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that Patriot and IRIS-T systems, as well as Gepard anti-aircraft guns provided by Germany have already saved tens of thousands of lives and safeguarded hundreds of infrastructure facilities. The President specifically thanked Germany for a new €650 million military aid package with a clear delivery deadline set for this month.
Key topics of the discussions included continuing defense cooperation, maintaining sanctions pressure on Russia, and ensuring that Germany's support for Ukraine remains steady next year.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of geopolitical clarity for collective security in Europe, which involves resolving two critical issues for every nation: integration into the EU and NATO.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the key to common security on the continent is geopolitical certainty. It involves resolving two issues for each country in Europe – related to the EU and NATO.
“For Ukraine, both of these issues are fundamental. The sooner we get the answers, the sooner Russia's aggressive ambitions will be put to an end,” he said.
Olaf Scholz noted that the total amount of assistance provided by Germany to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion is about 28 billion euros. In particular, five complete IRIS-T systems, three Patriot systems, and more than 50 Gepard anti-aircraft systems with missiles, shells, and spare parts were transferred to strengthen air defense. In December, Germany will deliver another IRIS-T system and additional Patriot and Gepard units.
“In 2025, we will continue to deliver air defense systems, howitzers, and combat and reconnaissance drones. Additionally, six armed Sea King helicopters. I am saying this very clearly to Putin here in Kyiv today: We have staying power. And we will stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary,” Olaf Scholz stated.
The German Chancellor also acknowledged Ukraine’s significant progress toward EU membership and reaffirmed Germany’s continued support.