Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited key allies, including the UK, France, Germany and Italy, during his European tour, where he secured commitments to increased military aid.
The visits resulted in military pledges from the allies, including missiles, attack drones, light tanks, armored vehicles, training for soldiers, and other assistance, as Ukraine prepares for a counteroffensive against Russian forces in its ongoing conflict.
The allies reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, emphasizing the strengthening of ties and unity in the face of Russian aggression.
“Italy, Germany, France, Great Britain… We are returning home with new defense packages. More new and powerful weapons for the frontline, more protection for our people,” Zelenskyy said in a tweet.
Great Britain – meeting with @RishiSunak. Spoke about defense and very important British leadership in military coalitions.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 15, 2023
I am grateful to the 🇬🇧 for the decision to train our pilots. We are creating a coalition to train pilots on modern Western aircraft.
We continue our work… pic.twitter.com/BFznW8dNhf
UK to train Ukrainian pilots, provide more missiles and drones
During Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK, the British government pledged to provide Ukraine with additional missiles and attack drones in a bid to alter the trajectory of the ongoing war.
Zelenskyy arrived at Chequers, the country retreat of the British Prime Minister, where he was warmly received by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This marks Zelenskyy’s second visit to the UK since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Expressing gratitude for the support received thus far, Zelenskyy emphasized the significance of the conflict for both Ukraine and Europe.
We must not let Ukraine down.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) May 15, 2023
That’s why we’re accelerating our support:
🔼 More missiles
🔼 Long-range attack drones
🔼 New UK flying school
🔼 Conference to support Ukraine’s recovery
The UK’s commitment to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities was met with disapproval by the Kremlin, although they downplayed the potential impact of the supplies on the war. In response, Sunak assured Ukraine of the UK’s enduring support. Sunak told Zelenskyy that “your leadership, your country’s bravery and fortitude are an inspiration to us all.
The UK has emerged as a key military ally to Ukraine, furnishing them with weaponry such as Storm Shadow cruise missiles and providing training to Ukrainian troops on British soil.
Welcome back, @ZelenskyyUa 🇬🇧🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/ph57ZoUHpC
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) May 15, 2023
France promises more tanks, armored vehicles for Ukraine
The Ukrainian President also paid a surprise visit to Paris to meet with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, where France pledged additional military aid to support Ukraine in its upcoming counteroffensive against Russian forces.
The meeting, held at the Elysee Palace, focused on bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. France committed to supplying dozens of light tanks and armored vehicles, along with air defense systems. Furthermore, France plans to train around 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers within its borders and an additional 4,000 in Poland.
The French government emphasized its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, vowing to continue political, economic, humanitarian, and military assistance.
“With each visit, Ukraine’s defense and offensive capabilities are expanding,” Zelenskyy tweeted as he flew into the Villacoublay airbase. “The ties with Europe are getting stronger, and the pressure on Russia is growing.”
This evening, with President Zelensky, we took stock of Ukraine's operational needs to face Russia's aggression.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 14, 2023
France will continue to provide political, financial, humanitarian and military support to the Ukrainians as long as it takes.…
Germany announces nearly $3 billion military aid package
Germany has announced to provide Ukraine with additional military aid worth more than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), including tanks, anti-aircraft systems, and ammunition.
“Germany will provide all the help it can, as long as it takes,” Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said, adding that Berlin wanted to show with the latest package of arms “that Germany is serious in its support” for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy visited Germany on Sunday, where he met with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
This marked Zelenskyy’s first visit to Germany since the start of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine.
We will not let up our support: Germany is providing a new military support package totalling 2.7 billion euro – including further Leopard 1 battle tanks, Marder infantry combat vehicles and IRIS-T systems. #Ukraine
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) May 15, 2023
During the meeting, Germany reiterated its strong and unwavering support for Ukraine and emphasized its close ties with Ukraine and its commitment to standing together in the face of Russian aggression. The two countries also discussed the pursuit of justice for war crimes and increasing pressure on Russia through further sanctions. Germany expressed support for Ukraine’s reform efforts and its aspirations for EU accession.
Scholz said Germany had now committed €17 billion ($18.5 billion) in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
It was another powerful day for our defense, for our international positions.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 14, 2023
I thank Mr. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Mr. Chancellor Olaf Scholz @Bundeskanzler and the German 🇩🇪 people for the powerful defense package, for their leadership in defending lives from Russian… pic.twitter.com/NYSDdC2u4h