German chancellor reaffirms unwavering solidarity with Ukraine in war against Russia

BERLIN

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed his "unwavering solidarity with Ukraine" in its war against Russia during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Today, Chancellor Scholz spoke on the phone with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and discussed the political, military and humanitarian situation in Ukraine. President Zelenskyy informed about the effects of the recent Russian attacks and thanked the German government for its military support, especially to strengthen Ukraine's air defense," according to Hebestreit.

"The Chancellor reiterated the ongoing and unwavering solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression. He assured that Germany would continue to support Ukraine in the military area in close coordination with European and international partners,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Scholz also called on European countries to provide more military support to Ukraine.

“The contributions that the European countries have so far planned for 2024 are not yet large enough,” Scholz told the weekly newspaper “Die Zeit”.

“Europe needs to discuss what each country can contribute so that we can significantly expand support,” he said, adding that Ukraine must be capable of defending itself.

“And this must not fail due to a lack of air defense, artillery, tanks or ammunition. It is my firm belief that Europe must do more to support Ukraine in the defense of its own country," he added.

When asked whether he was disappointed with the other Europeans, Scholz said, “Well, I'm rather irritated that in Germany I constantly have to face criticism that the government is doing too little and being too hesitant.”

“We do more than all other EU states, much more. That's why I'm talking to my colleagues on the phone a lot and asking them to do more," he added.

Germany is currently mobilizing more than half of Europe's known support for weapons to defend Ukraine, according to the chancellor.

“It would be hubris to believe that we could do this alone in the long term. Again: Our friends in Europe must massively expand their aid,” Scholz emphasized.