In order to discuss more weaponry delivery to assist his nation fight off the Russian invasion and restore what has been devastated by more than a year of deadly war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Berlin early on Sunday.
Zelenskyy was transported by a Luftwaffe aircraft from Rome, where he had met with Pope Francis and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni on Saturday, to Berlin.
The German government announced a fresh package of military assistance for Ukraine with supplies worth more than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), including tanks, anti-aircraft systems, and ammunition, on the day of his visit, which took place in the midst of strict security.
“I’m in Berlin already. Weapons. a strong bundle. Air protection. Reconstruction. EU and NATO. Security,” Zelenskyy tweeted on Sunday, perhaps referring to the main concerns of his journey.
Germany has been one of Ukraine’s major arms suppliers after first being reluctant to provide the country deadly weaponry, such as the advanced IRIS-T SLM air-defense system and Leopard 1 and 2 combat tanks. In order for Ukraine to be successful in its intended counteroffensive against Russian forces, modern Western equipment is deemed essential.
The two leaders are anticipated to travel to the western city of Aachen for Zelenskyy to accept the International Charlemagne Prize presented to him and the people of Ukraine after meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other top officials at the chancellery.
The prize, according to the organizers, acknowledges that their resistance to Russia’s invasion represents a defense “not only of their country’s sovereignty and the lives of its citizens, but also of Europe and European values.”
