The fall of the safe containing the Charlemagne medal, presented to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, was either arranged by the Russians or the Russians. According to media reports, the Ukrainian leader interrupted his serious speech and joked.
“The Russians” succinctly interpreted the situation in English. A large box of prizes slid from the stool next to Zelensky’s lectern. The word Russians in English can be understood as both “Russians” and “Russians”.
“But we are not afraid, because we are together,” Zelensky later added in English. His speech, which ended the speech in Ukrainian, was applauded for a long time in the hall. The hall was attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and others.
The award ceremony for Zelensky was held in Aachen, Germany. During the visit of the Ukrainian president, security measures were increased in the city, and traffic was locked in some parts of the city. At the same time, a pro-Ukrainian demonstration was held there, about 1 thousand people came to it.
According to Die Zeit’s report, Zelensky said in his speech that all Ukrainian citizens are heroes and each one deserves to “stand here and accept this award”. He also pointed out once again that Europe should supply Kiev with new weapons.
First, during his official visit to Germany (the first in Zelensky’s career), he visited Berlin, where he was received by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Security measures have also been strengthened in the German capital – residents around the Federal Chancellery and the German President’s Office are required to carry an identity card with them these days.
The exact schedule of Zelensky’s official visit to Germany was also not disclosed for security reasons, NTV reported.
From Berlin he traveled to the west of the country to Aachen, where the international Charlemagne Prize has been awarded annually since 1950 for his contributions to European unification. The award is named after Charlemagne – Charlemagne, the founder of the Frankish Empire. In addition to certificates and medals, the winners of the award receive a symbolic 5,000 euros.
After receiving the award, Zelensky said that during his visit to Germany, he visited a military base in Aachen, where military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were trained.
“I visited a military base in the city of Aachen, where Ukrainian soldiers were trained. Together with German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, we met with Ukrainian soldiers. He also presented the fighters with state awards, ”said the president of Ukraine on social networks.
There were some incidents – Bild newspaper reported that Zelensky forgot his cell phone and power bank in the cortege’s car before flying from Berlin to Aachen.
“After meeting with Scholz, Zelensky boarded the helicopter. When the doors were already closed and everything was ready for departure, he realized that his cell phone was left in the car, ”says the article. The flight was delayed and they waited as a German policeman rushed to the car to fetch Zelensky’s belongings.
Zelensky visited Italy on the eve of his trip to Germany. There he met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister George Meloni and Pope Francis. The Ukrainian president traveled from Germany to France, where he met with French leader Emmanuel Macron in Paris.