Chancellor of Germany promised Ukraine further military support, but not Taurus

He stated this at a press conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on December 2.

«In December, the sixth Iris-T SLM, additional launchers for Patriot, and Gepard anti-aircraft tanks will be delivered. And next year, in 2025, we will continue supplying air defense systems, howitzers, reconnaissance drones, artillery, and six armed Sea King helicopters», Scholz announced and «addressed» Putin: «we have a long breath, we will support Ukraine as long as it takes».

He noted that Germany has provided Ukraine not only with air defense systems, which are often talked about, but also with other «very powerful and dangerous weapons», including artillery systems, MLRS, tanks of various kinds, and more. So far, five Iris-T systems, three Patriot systems, and over 50 Gepard tanks have been delivered along with missiles, ammunition, and spare parts.

«Germany has armed 6 brigades. That’s a lot», the Chancellor estimated and reiterated that in total Germany has delivered and promised arms worth 28 billion euros.

He promised that next year arms supplies would not stop and would be «just as powerful» as before.

At the same time, regarding certain types of weapons, the government considers the appropriateness and feasibility of their delivery, noted the Chancellor and specified that it concerns «how far they can reach targets and whether they require control» by German soldiers.

Scholz once again assured that there would be no decision, no peace «over the heads» of Ukrainians. He called this very principled for himself and promised to defend this position in front of friends, allies, and «those who doubt». Peace must be fair for a sovereign democratic state that aspires to the EU. The Chancellor discussed this with the current U.S. administration and the future president, the politician clarified.

He also assured that Putin would not be able to implement his cynical plan to freeze Ukrainians, stop the country’s economy, and production. The Federal Republic of Germany is providing the necessary equipment for the rapid restoration of the energy system.

Regarding talks with the person who started the war, Scholz, who recently called the head of the Kremlin, believes that one should speak to him in an unambiguous language and clearly articulate one’s positions and intentions. The Chancellor recalled his meeting with Putin on the eve of the attack on Ukraine. Then, according to the politician, he got the impression that the decision to attack was made not spontaneously but in advance, a couple of years before the attack. The head of the German government also spoke with him in December 2022. And in all conversations, he assured, the German side clearly emphasized: Ukraine has the right to build an independent, democratic state that wants to be part of the EU and that has a strong army.

«To me, it is clear that Russia must end the war and withdraw its troops. And I told him this very clearly… It was also important for me to tell him that we will not stop supporting Ukraine … and Putin should not count on ever dealing with a solitary Ukraine… Ukraine will withstand, I was convinced of this during the visit, and we will contribute to this», Scholz declared.

He reiterated the assurance of comprehensive support for Ukraine on its path to the EU.

Scholz also said he would never forget his interactions with wounded Ukrainian soldiers.