FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL

Posted On

17
January
2023

Zelensky, Steinmeier discuss situation on frontline, necessity of increasing defense support for Ukraine, Peace Formula

(The text after the 4th paragraph has been added)

KYIV. Jan 17 (Interfax-Ukraine) – President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has held a meeting in the format of a video conference with President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday.

"During the meeting in the format of a video conference with Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, we discussed the situation on the frontline, the necessity of increasing defense support for Ukraine, the diplomatic process on the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula," Zelensky said on the Telegram channel.

The head of state emphasized that Ukraine appreciates the important new defense decisions taken by the German leadership at the beginning of this year, as well as the significant support in the humanitarian, financial and defense spheres since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion.

"Thank you for the comprehensive assistance of Germany to Ukrainians. For the assistance that made our army stronger, for the financial support. I would like to express particular gratitude to the citizens of Germany for sheltering Ukrainians in this difficult period," Zelensky said.

The press service of the Ukrainian president said that the talks between the leaders were held on the 31st anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Germany.

Zelensky and Steinmeier strongly condemned Russia’s missile and drone terror against the civilian population and the destruction of the critical infrastructure of Ukraine. In this context, the Ukrainian president noted Germany’s assistance in strengthening Ukraine’s air defense with the IRIS-T system, which has shown good results in the air defense and protection of people. He also commended on the decisions to supply Ukraine with Patriot systems and Marder combat vehicles.

The president of Ukraine also praised Germany’s assistance in inter-regional and inter-city cooperations.

"Our patronage over the Ukrainian-German network of municipalities gives its results. We can see this from the volume of interaction between our cities," Zelensky said.

He also thanked the German side for the decision of the Bundestag to recognize the Holodomor famine as genocide of the Ukrainian people.

Both leaders expressed hope for sooner return of peace to the Ukrainian land.