During his visit to Kyiv, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that peace negotiations must involve Ukraine and rejected any 'dictated peace' from Moscow. Scholz assured that Germany would continue its support, promising additional military aid worth 650 million euros. Despite Ukraine's plea for Taurus missiles, Scholz remained firm in his refusal, citing concerns over escalation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Germany's substantial support, which amounts to nearly 30 billion euros, and urged for its continuation. He highlighted the critical need for defensive systems to counter Russian aggression. The debate over long-range weapons like the Taurus missiles arose when the US permitted Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles, but Germany hesitates due to potential conflict escalation.
The conflict has intensified, with Russia reportedly deploying a new hypersonic missile and gaining ground in eastern Ukraine. This escalation underscores the urgency for reinforced defense capabilities, a sentiment echoed by both the US and NATO, who are preparing further military aid.
Amidst these developments, speculation about peace talks has been fueled by political shifts in the US. Scholz remains optimistic about aligning policies with the US and Europe to uphold Ukraine's sovereignty. However, any decisions must respect Ukraine's autonomy.
NATO continues to bolster its support, with countries like Norway deploying air defense systems to protect strategic locations. Meanwhile, tensions remain high as Russia and Belarus plan a new security pact, reflecting the broader geopolitical shifts at play in the region. Scholz's visit underscores Germany's commitment to a stable and sovereign Ukraine amidst ongoing challenges.
