Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) pledged further support for Ukraine during President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Berlin and announced a summit of the “Coalition of the Willing” for the coming week. "Ukraine can rely on Germany. We are continuing our support undiminished," said Merz at a joint press conference.
Russia is continuing its attacks with undiminished severity and ruthlessness, said the Chancellor. Germany wants to provide additional winter aid and support for energy supplies this year. The outcome of the war will shape European security for a long time.
At the same time, Merz emphasized the responsibility of the European partners. “We must ensure that all partners meet this obligation.”
“Our message to Russia is: It is time for an end to the war,” said Merz. Moscow has so far stubbornly refused to do this and is risking further escalation with its attacks in the Black Sea. “Russia is creating a global food crisis at the expense of the poorest states and the poorest countries in the world,” he added.
A new round of peace talks is therefore the right step. Europe must play a role in this. Russia must now show that it is ready for serious talks. At the same time, Merz announced that he would further increase the pressure on Moscow.
The Chancellor also praised the commitment of German companies in Ukraine. Not a single company has left the country, he explained. He is extremely grateful to the German economy for their commitment. Support for Ukraine is in Germany's own interest, emphasized Merz. It is important for the security of Germany and the peace order throughout Europe. He wants the majority of Germans to understand this. Zelenskyj thanked Germany for the support. “It is important that Germany stands by our side.”
Zelenskyj had previously been received with military honors in the Berlin Chancellery. Merz and Zelenskyj walked through an honorary formation of the Bundeswehr, after which they retreated to the Chancellery for discussions and lunch.
The visit had not been announced beforehand for security reasons. Shortly before the arrival, US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced a new round of talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US in Abu Dhabi next week. It should take place at the level of the advisors to the heads of state and government. “The discussions will focus on post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian assistance and the next steps towards peace,” he said.
Chancellor Merz promised Zelensky support in missile defense and energy supply. According to information from WELT partner publication “Politico”, the Union and the SPD want to raise 200 million euros for additional winter aid. The coalition factions want to submit a proposal for “excessive spending” to the Bundestag, according to government circles.
According to “Politico” information, 100 million euros will come from the budget of the Foreign Office, and another 100 million from the Federal Development Ministry. The Budget Committee is expected to approve the proposal next week. The money is intended to support, among other things, Ukrainian power plants and other civil infrastructure, which are repeatedly the target of Russian attacks.
Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine in recent months, resulting in a significant increase in the number of civilian casualties. The Ukrainian air defense is suffering from a lack of material and cannot adequately repel the attacks. Most recently, a Russian air strike on a school in Komyshuwacha in the Zaporizhzhia region that was used as an aid distribution point and refuge caused horror in Ukraine. According to Ukrainian information, at least 31 people were killed and five others injured on Monday. According to rescue workers, the dead include two helpers and four police officers who died in a second wave of attacks.
Zelensky's visit is subject to the highest security precautions. Around 3,400 additional police officers were on duty. Support came from almost all of Germany, it was said. Drivers would have to expect traffic jams and traffic disruptions in the capital.
The Berlin Security Conference also began in the capital on Tuesday morning. This year's partner country is Lithuania. In terms of content, the conference will focus on the war in Ukraine and warding off threats from Russia.
The BSW sharply criticizes the Ukrainian President's visit to Berlin and the planned additional support. “It is the next slap in the face from Merz to his own people that he is handing over new blank checks to Zelensky and wants to make cuts everywhere in this country,” said BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht to the news portal “T-Online”. This is not winter aid, but rather “war extension money” at the expense of the Ukrainian population, claims Wagenknecht. “The BSW is calling for a payment stop for Ukraine!”
Claudia Wittig, co-leader of the BSW parliamentary group in Saxony-Anhalt, also agrees with the criticism. Millions of German tax money flow into Ukraine every day, while companies in this country are going bankrupt. “More and more citizens, especially in the East, are rejecting this policy,” Wittig told “T-Online”.
In mid-October, the BSW in Saxony-Anhalt decided for the first time with the AfD on a symbolic motion that called for increased peace initiatives, an end to sanctions against Russia and to arms deliveries and financial support to Ukraine. Wittig announces: “We will launch further initiatives to this end.”
Germany is now Ukraine's largest supporter in its defense against the Russian war of aggression, which fully broke out in February 2022.
