Scholz Reaffirms Germany’s Support for Ukraine During Kyiv Visit
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a decisive statement of solidarity with Ukraine during his second visit to the war-torn nation since Russia’s invasion began. The visit, coming amidst intense pressure on the West to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, saw Scholz reaffirm Germany’s commitment, declaring, "We say what we do. And we do what we say."
Scholz arrived in Kyiv after a nine-hour train journey from Poland and immediately visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers in a local hospital. His itinerary also included a somber stop at St. Michael’s Monastery, where he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers.
A demonstration of cutting-edge drones, including models from German manufacturer Helsing capable of targeting Russian military vehicles on the front lines, was a significant highlight of the trip. Scholz announced that deliveries of 4,000 such drones would begin in December, part of a substantial military aid package promised by Germany for Ukraine by year’s end.
This package, worth over $650 million, will also include two Iris-T air defense systems, ten Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks, 60 infantry fighting vehicles, and a significant number of both unguided and guided missiles.
While Scholz emphasized Germany’s commitment to arming Ukraine so it can effectively defend itself, his approach remains cautious. The German chancellor aims to avoid escalating the conflict and dragging NATO into direct war with Russia, reflecting a strategy designed to balance support for Ukraine with a desire to prevent a wider war.
Scholz’s visit comes at a crucial moment as Ukraine continues its push for NATO membership, seeing it as vital for its survival in the face of Russian aggression. While a formal invitation remains elusive, Zelensky hopes for a decision at the upcoming NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels.
Scholz last visited Ukraine in June 2022, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, paving the way for Ukraine’s candidacy to join the European Union. The question of NATO membership, however, remains a delicate issue with complex geopolitical implications.
This visit underscores the ongoing complexities of the Ukrainian war and the delicate balancing act facing Western nations. The outcome of upcoming discussions on NATO membership and the level of military support will have significant implications not just for Ukraine, but for the wider geopolitical landscape.
