Scholtz urges immediate assistance for Ukraine's air defense during a conference.
Confronting the continuous Russian aerial assaults, Scholz passionately pleads for backing towards Germany's spearheaded project to enhance Ukraine's aerial defense - "with whatever is possible," he added.
Germany unveiled this initiative last year to motivate the donation of air defense systems from the Bundeswehr and allied nations to Ukraine. This venture is familiarly recognized as IAAD ("Instant Action for Aerial Defense").
During the Berlin conference, attention will primarily revolve around rebuilding Ukraine - covering the short-term eradication of harm inflicted by Russian attacks and also long-term growth prospects for Ukraine. "Ukraine's reconstruction refers to the restoration of a future member state of the EU," Scholz expressed to the summit attendants. "Ukraine's future is with the EU."
The continuous support for redevelopment serves as a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserted the Chancellor. "Might, adherence to values - these are also prerequisites for Putin to realize: There will be no military conquest, and no dictatorial peace," Scholz emphasized. "He must halt his barbaric crusade and withdraw his soldiers."
The economic and sociopolitical reinforcement of Ukraine will require an immense deal of effort, said Scholz. "Ukraine's reconstruction and modernization will necessitate huge investments," he affirmed. "The World Bank anticipates a requirement of nearly $500 billion in the next decade."
To achieve these vast ambitions, private capital must join the effort, affirmed Scholz. Firms must be displayed investment in Ukraine is advantageous. He'll undoubtedly facilitate this. "Ukraine's reconstruction - that needs to be a 'business venture,'" he affirmed. "Those who engage early and nurture and expand their commercial connections with Ukraine will be front-runners."
Scholz views immense potential for economic growth in Ukraine, particularly in sectors like renewable energies and hydrogen, yet also in fields such as digitalization, IT, defense, health technology, and pharmaceuticals. Despite war, no German investments have abandoned the country. "Our trading volume has escalated significantly when compared with pre-war times."
Among about 2,000 participants hailing from around 60 countries, this summit mainly aims to facilitate the connection of actors from business, society, and localities. Formal financial pledges aren't the primary goal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also participate in the event.
Fairly equal proportions of summit-goers carry the roles of governments and global organizations, corporations, and civic societies, and localities and provinces. Similar events occurred in Switzerland in 2022 and London in 2023.
The Berlin conference kickstarts a series of international gatherings where Ukraine will be the focal point. From Thursday, a meeting of the G7 heads of state and government will take place in Italy. From Saturday, peace alternatives for Ukraine will be debated at a conference in Switzerland. Ukraine could also be a significant theme at the NATO summit in July in Washington.
Read also:
- At the upcoming Berlin conference, the focus will shift towards helping Ukraine with its air defense, as urged by Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
- Scholz emphasized the importance of bolstering Ukraine's air defense capabilities during the conference, citing the need for immediate assistance in light of ongoing Russian aerial attacks.
- The German Chancellor discussed the country's IAAD initiative, a project aiming to garner donations of air defense systems from the Bundeswehr and allied nations, at the EU-Ukraine reconstruction conference.
- Scholz underscored Ukraine's future as an EU member state at the conference, reiterating that its reconstruction refers to the restoration of a peaceful and prosperous nation.
- French President Emmanuel Macron and Scholz are expected to discuss EU support for Ukraine's air defense at a bilateral meeting during the Berlin conference.
- The G7 heads of state and government will meet in Italy soon after the Berlin conference, with Ukraine's air defense and reconstruction remaining key topics for discussion.
- The SPD, Germany's Social Democratic Party, has called for increased military aid to Ukraine and the use of the Bundeswehr to enhance its air defense capabilities; this position aligns with Scholz's emphasis on collective action at the Berlin conference.
- In tandem with the Berlin conference, Germany's Federal Government plans to contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine by offering resources and technical assistance to various sectors, including renewable energies and digitalization.
