(new: details)
BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – Germany has concluded a long-term security pact with Ukraine and pledged additional weapons worth around 1.1 billion euros for the defensive fight against Russia. Among other things, 36 howitzers, 120,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, two additional air defense systems and Iris-T rockets would be delivered, said Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) on Friday after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin.
The security agreement goes back to a decision by NATO heads of state and government at their summit in Vilnius, Lithuania last July. It was agreed there that the individual member states would conclude bilateral agreements to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security. Great Britain started in January. The other NATO states should now gradually follow suit with their commitments. In the evening, the French Emmanuel Macron also wanted to sign an agreement with Zelensky in Paris.
Scholz spoke of a “historic” step. With the document, Germany assures Ukraine that it will be supported for as long as necessary. “The important thing is: Putin has not achieved any of his goals,” said Scholz. The Ukrainian armed forces, on the other hand, were able to liberate more than half of the areas occupied by Russian troops. Relations between Germany and Ukraine have “reached a completely new quality” in the past two years since the Russian invasion, emphasized Scholz.
Zelensky said German aid was “vital for Ukraine, for our fighters on the front.” “Our security agreement is truly an unprecedented document that reflects not only the level of bilateral relations, but also Germany’s fundamental role in maintaining normality in Europe and the world.”
But does the agreement really help the country attacked by Russia make progress in the current situation? Critics doubt this because it is a political declaration of intent that is not legally binding and no financial commitments are made.
At the same time, the document is seen as a strong message. On the one hand, because it shows the Ukrainians why persevering in the fight against Russia is worth it. On the other hand, because it is also Russia’s president Wladimir Putin signals what he will have to prepare for if he continues the war against Ukraine. These are the most important messages:
* Germany will continue and expand its military support for Ukraine – including through further arms deliveries and the training of Ukrainian soldiers. Deliveries and commitments to date already add up to 28 billion euros. This makes Germany the second most important arms supplier after the USA.
* A possible peace agreement does not mean that German security promises will be invalid. If Russia were to attack Ukraine again after the end of the current war, the German government would meet within 24 hours and discuss possible support with Ukraine – for example in the form of new arms deliveries.
* Germany is supporting Ukraine’s efforts to take legal action against Kremlin chief Putin and others responsible for the war of aggression. Germany also wants to help force Russia to make financial reparations.
* Germany does not want to allow the Russian war to destroy the country economically. That’s why there will be further financial aid, help with reconstruction and reforms.
* Germany supports Ukraine’s EU accession efforts.
As a kind of return for the German commitments, Ukraine pledges, among other things, to continue its reform course. Specifically, this involves progress in the areas of justice, the rule of law and the fight against corruption and money laundering.
Zelenskyj wanted to travel on to Munich via Paris in the afternoon. On Saturday he will appear at the Munich Security Conference. Further bilateral meetings are planned there, for example with US Vice President Kamala Harris. The Ukrainian president opened the most important meeting of politicians and experts on security policy last year with a video address. Now he is taking part in person for the first time since the Russian invasion almost exactly two years ago./mfi/DP/nas