On this year’s Independence Day of Ukraine, six months have passed since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression. In a video message, Chancellor Scholz affirmed that Germany was firmly on Ukraine’s side – and promised further military aid.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised Germany’s unlimited aid to Ukraine on the occasion of its national holiday. Germany stands “firmly by the side of threatened Ukraine, today and for as long as Ukraine needs our support,” said Scholz in a video message to the people of Ukraine published on Twitter. The Chancellor accused the Russian attackers of “terror” and “imperialism”.
The Federal Republic will help Ukraine financially, militarily and politically, said the Chancellor. “We will continue to deliver weapons, from the self-propelled howitzer to the anti-aircraft system, month after month,” said Scholz. “We will continue to train Ukrainian soldiers on the most modern European war equipment.” Germany will continue sanctions, continue to support Ukraine financially, help with reconstruction, transport Ukrainian grain by rail to European ports, treat wounded Ukrainians in German hospitals and take in Ukrainian refugees, the Chancellor said.
“Our borders and our hearts remain open to everyone who has to flee Russian terror,” said Scholz. “You are very welcome.” The Chancellor praised the “courage” of the defenders in Ukraine. “The dark shadow of the brutal Russian war of aggression weighs heavily,” said Scholz.
“Our hearts go out to those who pay with their lives every day for Russian war terror, who are maimed and wounded,” the Chancellor continued. “We are thinking of the heroes of Ukraine, of the men and women who have bravely defended their homeland against the brutal aggressor for the past six months.” Scholz ended his speech with the Ukrainian words “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine).
Scholz also promised Ukraine support for its desire to become a member of the European Union. At the end of October, the German government will organize a reconstruction conference for Ukraine together with the EU Commission in Berlin “to set the course for Ukraine’s future”. Scholz announced that on Thursday he would meet Ukrainian soldiers who are being trained on German anti-aircraft tanks at the Putlos military training area. On Tuesday, Scholz had already announced further arms deliveries to Ukraine worth more than 500 million euros.