German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that Germany would stand ready to provide military assistance to Ukraine as required, underscoring a commitment made during a high‑level discussion in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The briefing was broadcast by Elysee Palace and shared with the public through official channels, signaling a united front from Berlin, Paris, and Kyiv in addressing the ongoing crisis.
Scholz emphasized that Berlin has already extended substantial support to Ukraine, spanning financial aid, humanitarian relief, and military assistance. He highlighted the delivery of heavy artillery, air defense systems, and a recent resupply of tanks as elements of this ongoing backing. The German leader affirmed that such support would continue as long as it remains necessary, reinforcing the expectation of sustained allied effort in the face of Russian aggression. This pledge comes amid broader discussions within Europe about ensuring Kyiv has the means to deter further incursions and safeguard civilian lives.
During the Paris talks, Zelensky urged Macron and Scholz to expedite the provision of aircraft and additional heavy weaponry, stressing the urgency of equipping Ukraine to resist the current and potential threats. The Ukrainian president’s appeal reflects a broader push from Kyiv for enhanced defense capabilities and rapid access to advanced systems, aligned with Western partners who view decisive aid as essential to maintaining strategic balance in the region.
On the eve of these meetings, Scholz gave reporters a preview of his Paris trip, confirming the aim of engaging in constructive dialogue with Macron and Zelensky. The discussions in the French capital were framed as part of a continuing effort to coordinate defense and security assistance, while reinforcing the political cohesion among European allies facing the war on Ukraine. The tone from Berlin and its partners underscored a shared commitment to upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability in Europe, even as the alliance seeks prudent and lawful ways to advance military support.
Earlier on the same day, Zelensky visited Britain to discuss defense cooperation with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The Ukrainian leader described the meeting as an important step in securing the weapons and defense resources necessary for his country’s protection. He reiterated the urgency of obtaining timely deliveries from new partners and highlighted the importance of aligning Western military aid with Ukraine’s immediate operational needs, including air defenses, advanced missiles, and other critical capabilities. The travels and meetings illustrate a coordinated approach among European and Western governments to bolster Ukraine’s security posture while balancing strategic and political considerations in the ongoing conflict.
In subsequent remarks, Scholz reiterated that there is room for compromise on how Western-provided weapons are used, cautions against any plan to strike Russian territory, and reaffirmed a stance favoring targeted and lawful use of defense aid. The discussions reflect a careful effort to maintain a pathway for robust support that assists Ukraine without escalating the broader conflict or provoking unintended confrontations. This approach aligns with a broader international consensus that emphasizes deterrence, accountability, and the protection of civilians as central objectives in the ongoing effort to resolve the crisis.