“Ukraine can count on Europe”: Scholz and Macron strengthen Selenskyj’s back

“Ukraine can count on Europe”
Scholz and Macron strengthen Selenskyj’s back

Before attending the EU summit in Brussels, Ukrainian President Zelenskyj is making a detour to Paris. At the meeting in the Elysée Palace, French President Macron and Chancellor Scholz promised Ukraine further support – without being specific.

During a visit to Paris in the evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again called for the delivery of fighter jets and heavy weapons to his country. The military equipment must be delivered “as soon as possible,” said Selenskyj at the meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Elysée Palace. Scholz and Macron assured the Ukrainian of their support, but without specifically responding to the demands.

Zelenskyy said that the sooner Ukrainian pilots get planes, “the sooner this Russian aggression will end and we can return to peace in Europe.” The Ukrainian President had previously underlined his demands for fighter jets in London. After his visit to the British capital, he traveled on to Paris. Tomorrow Zelenskyy wants to take part in a meeting of the Council of Europe in Brussels.

“Ukraine can count on France and Europe to win this war,” Macron said. “We stand resolutely on Ukraine’s side to accompany them to victory. Russia cannot and must not win.” Together, it is about creating a peace that is fair to Ukraine, Macron said. “Ukraine can count on us to make peace.” Paris will “continue to try” to deliver arms to Kyiv.

Scholz said that Germany was “close to Ukraine’s side”. Together with its partners, Germany has supported Ukraine “massively” – “financially, humanitarianly and with weapons”. “And we will continue to do so as long as it is necessary,” added the Chancellor. “The fact remains: Russia must not win this war.” Referring to Thursday’s European Council meeting, which Zelenskyy will attend, Scholz said he was going to Brussels with a very clear message: “Ukraine is part of the European family.”

Ukraine was declared a candidate for accession by the EU last year – shortly after Scholz and Macron were in Kyiv. The meeting in Paris is now the second face-to-face meeting of the three politicians since Russia’s war of aggression began almost a year ago.

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