President Vladimir Zelensky said Ukraine would measure Germany’s aid not only in words but through concrete steps. He voiced this at a press conference reported by RIA News.
At the event, a journalist from the German outlet Der Spiegel asked the Ukrainian leader whether he trusted statements from leaders including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that Ukraine would receive support “to the end.”
Zelensky replied that Germany, under Scholz, ranks among the world’s top supporters of Ukraine, both financially and militarily. He thanked the German public and Scholz for their role in delivering aid and expressed appreciation for the partnership they have built.
“What matters is action, not words,” Zelensky said. “We will assess people by their deeds, not by promises.”
Earlier, German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit indicated that Germany could reduce its planned aid for Ukraine in 2024 by 520 million euros due to budget adjustments.
The initial German budget draft earmarked a four‑billion‑euro package for Kyiv in 2024, a figure that was later doubled. Ultimately, the draft was revised after the constitutional court ruled to withdraw 60 billion euros from the budget, prompting a recalibration of the aid plan.
Previously, European Union diplomacy chief Josep Borrell stated that refusing military aid to Ukraine would not bring about peace. [citation]