Russian incursion - Situation of War against Ukraine: Release
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has made his way to Germany, where he's set to participate in an international conference on reconstruction for his country held at the Berlin Trade Fair. He'll be opening the event with none other than Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). In the afternoon, Zelensky is scheduled to deliver a speech in the German parliament, marking his third visit to the city since the start of the Russian invasion nearly two and a half years ago.
Zelensky broke the news of his arrival via a post on the platform X, urging urgent solutions for the Ukrainian energy sector, which is currently under threat from Russia's air terror. Around 2,000 officials from about 60 countries are anticipated to be in attendance. The purpose of the conference is to foster connections among those from politics, business, civil societies, and international organizations, with the goal of driving initiatives towards promoting businesses and skill-building.
Development Minister Svenja Schulze (SPD) spoke to dpa, expressing that the conference demonstrates a strong alliance in support of Ukraine. She added that it's crucial to address the reconstruction process even during wartime, saying, "Ukraine has no choice. It cannot wait until the war is over. People need a roof over their heads, electricity, water, and hospitals now." Additionally, Schulze highlighted the need for civilian support to help the country survive in an ongoing war.
In honor of Ukraine, the Funkturm landmark in Berlin has been lit up in the country's colors of blue and yellow. The Berlin TV Tower at Alexanderplatz will also join in by illuminating in its colors from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on both today and Wednesday evening.
Zelensky is scheduled to have talks with Scholz on multiple issues, including further support for the defense, expanding air defense systems, joint weapons production, and coordinating positions for the planned peace conference in Switzerland set for June 15 and 16. The Ukrainian president is also planning meetings with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Bundestag President Bärbel Bas, and to visit a military aid base where Ukrainian soldiers are being trained. Twice before, Zelensky addressed the German Bundestag, once via video during a plea for more military support, and another time in person in 2022.
Germany is the second-largest supporter of Ukraine when it comes to military and financial aid, and while the US holds the top spot, the chancellor introduced his continuous support for Ukraine's ambitions. Despite the US and Germany being two of the key supporters, they won't be sending Taurus-missile systems with a 500-kilometer range. Scholz also affirmed his disagreement with sending NATO soldiers to Ukraine at a rally in Duisburg, unlike President Emmanuel Macron who plans to send military trainers to the war-torn nation.
After the Berlin conference, the G7 summit will take place in southern Italy, where discussions will revolve around the utilization of Russia's frozen assets to back Ukraine. This will be followed by the Ukraine Peace Conference in Switzerland. So far, approximately 40 heads of state and government have registered, and 160 were invited. Even though this is the first high-profile international summit on Ukrainian peace, it's not for negotiations. Russia, who attacked Ukraine in February 2022, isn't participating.
In a positive step towards boosting Ukraine's capabilities, a joint tank repair workshop and production site have now been opened at the hands of Germany's Rheinmetall and Ukraine. The keys to the workshop for the repair and maintenance of the Marder infantry fighting vehicle have been transferred.
Kyiv's Minister Olexandr Kamyschin heralded this development as a significant milestone in enhancing Ukraine's military arsenal and as a boon for the "free world." His statement reads, "The opening of a joint production facility with Rheinmetall is not only a step towards victory for Ukraine, but also an essential moment in the build-up of the arsenal of the free world."
Read also:
- Despite Russia's air terror threatening Ukraine's energy sector, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgency for solutions in a post on platform X.
- Svenja Schulze, Germany's Development Minister (SPD), mentioned the need for immediate reconstruction efforts in Ukraine during wartime, emphasizing the importance of providing basic necessities like electricity and hospitals.
- At the Berlin Trade Fair, Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, will kick off an international reconstruction conference, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) also in attendance.
- Germany, along with the US, is a key supporter of Ukraine, providing military and financial aid, but they won't be sending Taurus-missile systems to the war-torn nation.
- As part of the reconstruction conference, talks will center on further supporting Ukraine's defense, expanding air defense systems, joint weapons production, and coordinating positions for the planned peace conference in Switzerland.
- The Russian invasion of Ukraine nearly two and a half years ago marks Zelensky's third visit to Berlin, where he'll deliver a speech in the Bundestag and meet with Bundestag President Bärbel Bas and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
- The donor conference in Berlin aims to foster connections between politics, business, civil societies, and international organizations, promoting initiatives for businesses and skill-building in Ukraine.
- Russia, who attacked Ukraine in February 2022, will not participate in the peace conference in Switzerland, which has already gathered approximately 40 heads of state and government, with 160 invitations sent.
- Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to visit a military aid base where Ukrainian soldiers are being trained after the Berlin conference, marking a significant milestone in enhancing Ukraine's military arsenal with the help of partners like Germany's Rheinmetall.
- Following the Berlin conference, leaders will attend the G7 summit to discuss utilizing Russia's frozen assets to support Ukraine, setting the stage for the highly-anticipated Ukraine Peace Conference in Switzerland.
