- European Union's International Relations Strategy
Chancellor Olaf Scholz guarantees ongoing assistance to Ukraine and its nearby republic of Moldova, despite talks about additional budget reductions in Germany. "Germany won't back down from backing Ukraine," declared the SPD politician during a quick trip to Chisinau, Moldova's capital. He continued, "We'll aid Ukraine for as long as necessary, and we'll be Europe's most substantial financial contributor to Ukraine." Only the USA exceeds Germany in support, noted the Chancellor, and added, "So, this is something dependable in Ukraine."
Ukraine has been fighting off a Russian invasion since February 2022. Chancellor Scholz was careful in addressing Ukraine's recent offensive in the Russian region of Kursk and whether German-supplied weapons could be utilized. Ukraine reportedly planned its military operation there in secret without sharing any information, which is also due to the situation. The German government is keeping a close eye on the situation. "This seems to be a spatially and probably also temporally limited operation," he stated, although it's hard to know for sure. "Consequently, no additional commentary is permissible at this point. We can undoubtedly reassess everything once more time has elapsed."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly requested partners to allow the use of Western missiles with extended reach on neighboring territories. Currently, there are constraints on this use. Recently, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, criticized Ukraine for using Western weapons to damage civilian infrastructure in the Kursk region. Those responsible for such "inhumane actions" will face consequences, Zakharova warned.
Maia Sandu, the Moldovan President, expressed her gratitude towards Chancellor Olaf Scholz for Germany's continuous support to Ukraine and Moldova during a meeting in Chisinau. After hearing Scholz's commitment to aid Ukraine for an extended period and Germany's status as Europe's most substantial financial contributor, Sandu highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relations between their two nations.
