Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy heads to Berlin, Paris to drum up wartime aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Germany on Friday as part of a diplomatic tour aimed at securing crucial military assistance and solidifying bilateral security commitments as the conflict with Russia approaches its third year.

Taking to X, Zelenskyy said, “I am starting two important days. Meetings with partners in Germany and France, new agreements, and the Munich Security Conference.”

“A new security architecture for Ukraine, as well as new opportunities. We are making every effort to end the war as soon as possible on fair Ukrainian terms and ensure a lasting peace,” he added.

I am starting two important days. Meetings with partners in Germany and France, new agreements, and the Munich Security Conference. A new security architecture for Ukraine, as well as new opportunities. We are making every effort to end the war as soon as possible on fair… pic.twitter.com/YNbdIffPK5

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 16, 2024

Zelenskyy’s visit coincides with intense efforts by Kyiv’s forces to repel advancing Russian troops near the eastern town of Avdiivka. Amid shortages in manpower and ammunition, the awaited US military aid has been delayed for months.

This journey marks Zelenskyy’s inaugural foreign excursion since his recent decision to replace his esteemed army chief and reorganise military command structures. This strategic move, undertaken during a pivotal phase of the conflict, reflects Zelenskyy’s recognition of the evolving challenges on the battlefield.

Germany and France stand ready to join as the second and third allies of Ukraine in signing bilateral security agreements. These agreements are pivotal in defining terms for sustained support until Ukraine achieves its objective of NATO membership.

The details of the agreements to be signed with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are not yet known, but Kyiv has said it wants to use the first deal signed with Britain in January as a framework.

London said that agreement formalised a range of support it has given and will continue to provide for Ukraine’s security.

It also created a commitment to hold consultations with Kyiv within 24 hours in the event Ukraine faces a future Russian armed attack, and to provide swift and sustained security assistance.

Kyiv says the security arrangements with allies would in no way replace its strategic goal of joining NATO, which regards any attack launched on one of its 31 members as an attack on all under its Article Five provision.

Scholz’s chancellery said a bilateral agreement about security assurances and long-term support will be signed, without providing more details ahead of the meeting.

French officials gave little detail about the bilateral agreement between Paris and Kyiv ahead of the signing ceremony expected at the Elysee palace in Paris on Friday evening.

They said the deal included economic and financial elements and was not restricted to military ones.

“The logic behind it is support for Ukraine over the long term, in order to make Russian aggression fail,” one French official said.

Some figures will be mentioned in the deal, they said, but added that France refused to take part in any “beauty contest” and that the quality of material provided to Ukraine was at least as important as the quantity.

Germany has been pressing both European and U.S. partners for more rigorous commitments on military supplies for Ukraine, with Chancellor Scholz travelling to Washington to shore up aid for Kyiv’s needs.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said his country envisaged 3.5 billion euro for ammunition supplies this year and would deliver three to four times more in 2024 compared to 2023.

Zelenskyy was also expected to give a speech at the Munich security conference on Saturday. Several bilateral meetings on the sidelines are planned, including with US Vice President Kamala Harris.

With inputs from agencies