Zelensky called on Scholz to take a ‘clear position’
Zelensky’s statement was preceded by rumors that Olaf Scholz would visit Kiev for the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to take a “clearer position” on the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelensky said in an interview with the German TV channel ZDF on June 13:
“We need Chancellor Scholz to make sure that Germany supports Ukraine,” he said. His government must decide: there can be no choice between relations with Ukraine and Russia. “
Prior to Zelensky’s statement, there were rumors that Olaf Scholz would visit Kiev for the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Scholz-Macron-Dragi trio
According to the Italian online newspaper La Stampa, Scholz, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi will visit Kiev on June 16.
The German newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported on June 12 that the trio is expected to visit Ukraine before the G7 summit of the Group of Seven in late June.
Scholz declined to comment on the June 13 news. He said this in a statement issued by his spokesman the day before. However, his spokesman did not comment on the news.
Several other European leaders, including the head of the German opposition, Scholz’s own government ministers, traveled to Kiev to express support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
However, Scholz says he will make such a visit when there is a specific statement.
“Let Scholz come and announce himself”
Although Germany has provided significant financial and military support to Ukraine since the start of the Russian offensive, the Scholz government has been criticized for being slow to deliver aid, both domestically and abroad.
Scholtz has denied the allegations, saying that German howitzers are one of the world’s most sophisticated weapons, but that the Ukrainian military must first be trained to use them.
The chancellor said they were already being trained.
However, Zelensky said in an interview that weapons could be delivered faster from Germany:
“To be honest, Germany joined the arms supply process later than some of our neighbors,” he said. That is a fact. “
The Ukrainian president added that he wanted the chancellor to come to Ukraine during the war and express his support.
According to Zelensky, Germany should support both Ukraine’s membership in the European Union and the tightening of sanctions against Russia.
He called on Scholz to come to Ukraine and declare his support in person.
He called on Scholz to come to Ukraine and declare his support in person.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz