Amidst ongoing conflicts, Zelensky seeks aiding from Berlin to fortify air protection.
The Berlin conference with around 2000 attendees from over 60 nations is centered on the long-term economic reinforcement and reconstruction of Ukraine. The purpose of the conference is to facilitate connections between players from the economy, society, and municipalities. While financial commitments aren't the primary focus, discussions regarding emergency aid are highly significant due to Russia's immense military force.
German Chancellor Scholz, in his address, urged allies to support Germany's initiative for fortifying Ukraine's air defense "with everything possible." This initiative, launched last year, aims to elicit contributions of air defense systems from the Bundeswehr and allies for Ukraine.
Scholz underscored that Germany will provide Ukraine with a third Patriot air defense system shortly. Zelenskyy estimated that his country needs at least seven such Patriot systems.
"The rocket and bomb terror enables the Russian troops to advance on the ground," said Zelenskyy. As long as Russia maintains an air advantage, "Putin has no genuine interest in seeking a just peace," Zelenskyy stated.
After his appearance at the conference, Zelenskyy gave a speech in the Bundestag's general session, thanking Germany for the military aid, which had saved countless lives. Ukraine seeks to end the war but not on the terms of the Russian aggressors.
The AfD and BSW were absent from Zelenskyy's speech, branding the Ukrainian president for unnecessarily prolonging the conflict. From the other factions, Zelenskyy received prolonged rounds of applause.
A key aspect of the conference concerned the role that private industry can play in Ukraine's sustainable rebuilding. "The reconstruction and modernization of the country necessitate significant financial investments," said Scholz. "The World Bank estimates that these efforts will require almost 500 billion dollars over the next ten years." Given the magnitude of these requirements, "private capital must also be involved," Scholz said.
Zelenskyy disclosed at the conference that, since winter, half of Ukraine's electricity-generating capacities have been destroyed by Russian rocket and drone attacks. Over the last 24 hours, Russia had deployed 135 glide bombs over Ukraine, each around a ton.
Additionally, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) denounced the viciousness of Russian warfare: "Putin aims to annihilate the lifeblood of Ukraine through his barbaric war." Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba asked foreign companies to invest quickly in his country: "Don't postpone your decisions until the war is over."
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged EU credit guarantees of 1.4 billion euros for Ukraine's reconstruction at the conference. These guarantees should facilitate access to funds for businesses within the country. Further, Brussels plans to release 1.5 billion euros from frozen Russian dividends to Ukraine in the near future.
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) announced an additional 100 million euros in German assistance for Ukraine - chiefly for measures concerning psychological and social support.
In Ukraine, entire regions have been leveled. For weeks, Russia has systematically targeted Ukraine's power grid, leaving hundreds of thousands of citizens without electricity. Additionally, other areas including water supply, hospitals, and schools are frequently targeted for destruction.
Scholz underlined the long-term nature of German and European support. "When we speak of rebuilding Ukraine, we're addressing the rebuilding of a future EU member state," he said. "We will rebuild Ukraine - more powerful, freer, and more prosperous than before."
Read also:
- Vladimir Putin's militaristic actions have put a strain on Germany's relations with Russia, leading Chancellor Olaf Scholz to call for strengthening Ukraine's air defense.
- During a Berlin conference focused on Ukrainian reconstruction, Putin was criticized by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for his vicious war tactics against Germany's ally.
- German Armed Forces have been instrumental in providing Ukraine with air defense systems, including the highly anticipated Patriot missile system, to aid in Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression.
- At the conference, Zelenskyy called on Germany to provide additional Patriot air defense missile systems to help Ukraine regain control of its airspace and weaken Russia's air advantage.
- Scholz reiterated Germany's commitment to aid Ukraine in its reconstruction efforts, especially in sectors like electricity generation and infrastructure, which have been heavily impacted by Russian attacks.
- The German Federal Government has set its sights on hosting a reconstruction conference to address the financial, industrial, and social needs of war-torn Ukraine, with support from both private and public sectors.
- Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the German government and people for their unwavering support, emphasizing that their assistance has helped save countless lives and enabled Ukraine to continue its fight.
- In a bid to rebuild a future EU member state, the German Chancellor outlined a long-term strategy to fortify Ukraine's air defense and promote economic reconstruction, focusing on both public and private sector investment.
- The hopes of a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict hinge on Ukraine regaining control of its airspace, as Russian air superiority has enabled Putin to perpetuate the war without honorable intentions, according to Zelenskyy.
- The EU, alongside its member states like Germany, has pledged financial support and guarantees to facilitate Ukrainian reconstruction and promote rapid investment in the country to restore infrastructure, services, and public life.
