At the invitation of Saluzhnyj
Bundeswehr delegation holds talks in Kiev
February 8, 2024, 8:54 p.m
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While events are unfolding in Kiev, a delegation of top German military officers is also in the Ukrainian capital. Inspector General Breuer informs himself about “the current needs of the defense.” The recently deposed army chief Saluschnyj invited him.
The Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, traveled to Ukraine with a high-ranking delegation. As a spokeswoman for the Federal Ministry of Defense confirmed, Breuer is currently in Ukraine for talks at the invitation of the recently deposed Ukrainian army chief Valeriy Saluschnyj. According to “Bild” information, the talks will take place in Kiev. Breuer will be accompanied by, among others, the head of the Ukraine Special Staff in the ministry, Major General Christian Freuding. The aim of the talks is “further exchange about current defense needs and future military challenges,” said the ministry spokeswoman.
During the visit of the German military delegation, events in Ukraine came to a head. Saluzhnyy was removed as army chief by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The president appointed the previous commander of the Ukrainian army, Oleksandr Syrskyj, as his successor.
Breuer is the highest-ranking soldier in the Bundeswehr and a military advisor to the federal government. He was appointed last year, shortly after Defense Minister Boris Pistorius took office. He visited Ukraine in May 2023, shortly after taking office. Back then it was about military cooperation. He had promised Ukraine that Germany would support them “as long as it is necessary.”
Germany is one of Ukraine’s biggest supporters in the war against Russia. According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), Germany has provided a good 21 billion euros in military, humanitarian and financial aid since the Russian attack on Ukraine in February 2022 until the end of October 2023.