Today, December 2, Olaf Scholz arrived in Ukraine for an unannounced visit
He is scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and announce further arms supplies worth 650 million euros.
Through his visit, the Chancellor aims to express solidarity and demonstrate that Germany will remain "the strongest supporter of Ukraine in Europe."
Berlin will provide military equipment to Kyiv worth 650 million euros. The deliveries are planned to be completed by December, the Chancellor stated.
“For over 1000 days, Ukraine has been heroically defending itself against ruthless Russian aggressive warfare… I would like to clarify that Germany will remain Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe. Ukraine can rely on Germany. We say what we do, and we do what we say,” said the German politician after arriving in Kyiv.
The additional arms worth 650 million euros, which Scholz will announce during his meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, are expected to be delivered to Ukraine by the end of December, noted the federal government’s press service.
This is the third visit by the head of the German government to Ukraine and the second since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. Scholz first visited Kyiv in February 2022, shortly before the Russian invasion, and again in June 2022 with French President Emmanuel Macron and then-Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.
Reminder: On November 29, a phone conversation took place between the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Olaf Scholz.
After the conversation, Scholz assured Zelensky of "Germany's unwavering support."
Germany will provide Ukraine with two additional IRIS-T air defense systems by the end of the year, announced German Foreign Minister Annalen Baerbock on November 26.
Since the beginning of the war, Germany has provided our country with over 37 billion euros in aid, Baerbock stated, indicating that this support serves not only to protect Ukraine but also "for our own defense and peace," reported Reuters.
Additionally, on November 13, German Chancellor Olaf announced during a phone conversation with Zelensky the transfer of another IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine. According to Scholz's statement at that time, this system was expected to arrive by the end of the year.
Overall, throughout 2024-2025, Berlin promised to deliver 20 IRIS-T systems, nine SLM, and 11 SLS to Kyiv.
It should be noted: The IRIS-T consists of a launcher mounted on a military truck with space for eight missiles, a radar vehicle, and a command vehicle. The surface-to-air missiles can hit targets at altitudes of up to 20 kilometers and distances of up to 40 kilometers, depending on the modification. The systems can intercept drones and cruise missiles flying at subsonic speeds. However, they are ineffective against ballistic missiles.
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