German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, marking his second trip to the Ukrainian capital since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. Arriving by overnight train, Scholz was welcomed in the early hours, declaring Germany’s steadfast solidarity with Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.
Scholz described Ukraine’s defence efforts as “heroic” and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment as the “strongest European supporter of Ukraine.” The visit, shrouded in secrecy for security reasons, highlights Germany’s strategic role in European aid to Ukraine.
€650 Million in Additional Military Aid
During his arrival, Scholz announced a new package of military aid worth €650 million, to be delivered later this month. This adds to the approximately €28 billion in weapons and equipment that Germany has provided or pledged to Ukraine since the war began. The Chancellor emphasised that this support is aimed at enabling Ukraine to defend itself effectively against Russian attacks.
Meeting with Zelensky
Scholz is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the current situation on the battlefield and potential diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. The talks come at a time of heightened attention to the role of the incoming U.S. administration under President Donald Trump, who has indicated an intent to pursue a resolution to the war. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s envoy for Ukraine, has been tasked with exploring avenues to fulfil this commitment.
Zelensky has voiced frustration with Scholz in recent weeks, particularly over the German leader’s communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian president criticised Scholz for “opening Pandora’s box” by engaging with Putin, an act Zelensky views as undermining Ukraine’s stance against Russian aggression.
NATO Membership Remains a Key Focus
Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership are expected to feature prominently in discussions. Zelensky has reiterated that an invitation to join NATO is critical for Ukraine’s survival, a position supported by NATO’s eastern flank nations, including Poland and the Baltic states. However, Germany and the United States have been more cautious, refraining from extending a formal invitation to Ukraine during this year’s NATO summit in Vilnius.
In the interim, Zelensky has suggested a potential ceasefire arrangement that would see NATO provide security guarantees for Ukrainian territories not currently occupied by Russia.
Election Context in Germany
Scholz’s visit also carries domestic political significance, as Germany gears up for an early federal election in February 2025. Ukraine policy has become a contentious issue, with mainstream parties such as the SPD, CDU/CSU, Greens, and FDP united in their support for military aid to Ukraine. In contrast, the AfD and BSW have voiced opposition to continued military involvement.
Criticism of Scholz’s dual strategy, balancing military aid with efforts to prevent NATO’s direct involvement in the war, has emerged as a key theme in the campaign. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz of the CDU has argued for a more aggressive stance, including the delivery of Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine—a proposal Scholz has resisted, citing concerns about escalating the conflict.
Scholz’s visit may also pre-empt potential moves by Merz to visit Kyiv, following an invitation extended by Zelensky. Some analysts suggest Scholz’s trip is intended to reinforce the SPD’s leadership on Ukraine policy amidst the electoral contest.
Broader European Support
Scholz’s visit follows closely on the heels of EU Council President António Costa’s solidarity trip to Kyiv. Costa pledged to initiate EU accession negotiations with Ukraine in 2025, reflecting broader European support for Ukraine’s long-term integration into Western institutions.
Despite these commitments, NATO membership remains elusive for Ukraine. Scholz’s cautious approach reflects broader Western concerns about the risks of further escalation, even as pressure mounts from Kyiv and NATO’s eastern members.
Image source: twitter @Bundeskanzler
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