2023-05-14 21:28:45
After Italy and Germany, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Paris on Sunday evening May 14 for a dinner at the Elysée during which “Ukraine’s urgent military and humanitarian needs”according to the French presidency.
Welcomed by the Prime Minister, Elisabeth Borne, and the head of diplomacy, Catherine Colonna, Volodymyr Zelensky was then received by Emmanuel Macron at the Elysée. The stage in Paris had not been announced in advance.
“Every visit [à Paris], Ukraine’s defensive and offensive capabilities are increasing »said the Ukrainian president on Sunday evening on his account Telegram. “Links with Europe are getting stronger and the pressure on Russia is increasing. I will meet my friend Emmanuel [Macron]. We will discuss the most important points of bilateral relations »he added.
European values
On a mini-European tour, the Ukrainian president received a prize in Germany on Sunday honoring his contribution to the unity of the continent. Ukraine is fighting for the values of Europe, several leaders of the European Union (EU) greeted on Sunday who traveled to Aachen to present the President and the Ukrainian people with the prestigious Charlemagne Prize.
“Ukraine embodies everything that the European idea represents: the courage of convictions, the struggle for values and freedom, the commitment to peace and unity”said Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission.
The Ukrainian president was in Rome and the Vatican on Saturday, where he met with Pope Francis.
The German stage of Mr. Zelensky, the first since the beginning of the Russian invasion, had started in the morning in the German capital. It marked a clear warming of relations between Berlin and kyiv, a time strained by the procrastination of the Chancellor to deliver the weapons claimed by Ukraine.
“I want to sincerely thank you, Olaf [Scholz]as well as the entire German people, for every Ukrainian life saved thanks to your support”launched the Ukrainian leader, in a black sweatshirt and khaki pants, to the German Chancellor during a joint press conference.
The World App
The Morning of the World
Every morning, find our selection of 20 articles not to be missed
Download the app
“We will support you as long as necessary”, assured Olaf Scholz stressing that the commitment of Berlin, including armament, amounted so far to 17 billion euros. Is the most important allied contribution after the United States, according to Mr. Zelensky. The French presidency has not announced whether new military aid from Paris will be announced on Sunday.
A counter-offensive in preparation
Volodymyr Zelensky is mobilizing his support in Europe as his army prepares a counter-offensive in the east of the country against Russian forces. In Berlin, the Ukrainian leader assured “not to attack Russian territory” and focus on liberating occupied territories.
He also asked the Chancellor to support the delivery of combat aircraft, which the latter has so far refused. Mr. Zelensky was also open to « discussions » of peace but ” only “ on kyiv terms.
On the occasion of his visit, the German government announced that it was preparing a new military aid plan for Ukraine of 2.7 billion euros, a record amount since the start of the conflict, according to the weekly The mirror. The new package notably includes dozens of tanks, armored vehicles, surveillance drones and four new Iris-T air defense systems.
However, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andri Melnyk felt that he did not go far enough, calling for a break in the “taboo” delivery of combat aircraft.
For the expected offensive of the Ukrainian army, “the issue of combat aircraft is a priority for Ukraine (…). We need F-16s”modern combat aircraft, to defend the skies of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff insisted on Sunday, Andriy Yermak.
The Ukrainian president’s diplomatic tour comes ahead of an EU leaders’ summit in Reykjavik and a meeting of G7 leaders in Japan next week.
#Volodymyr #Zelensky #Paris #discuss #important #points #bilateral #relations