Kyiv, December 2, 2024 – The Europe Today: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Kyiv on Monday for a surprise visit, marking his first trip to Ukraine in two and a half years. Scholz’s arrival underscores Germany’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
In a post on social media, Scholz shared his reflections on the journey: “I traveled to Kyiv tonight: by train through a country that has been defending itself against the Russian war of aggression for over 1,000 days.” He emphasized his country’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, stating, “I would like to make it clear here on the ground that Germany will remain Ukraine’s strongest supporter in Europe.”
During his visit, Chancellor Scholz is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to German broadcaster ZDF, Scholz will also announce the delivery of additional military aid to Ukraine, including armaments worth €650 million ($685 million), which is set to arrive in December.
This visit comes at a critical time for Germany, as the nation faces political uncertainties ahead of nationwide elections scheduled for 2025. Scholz’s strong support for Ukraine is particularly significant, as the future of Western assistance to Ukraine, especially from the United States, remains uncertain. Former President Donald Trump, who is expected to assume office in January 2025, has previously made mixed statements regarding his approach to the conflict and has suggested he could resolve the war, although he has not outlined a clear strategy.
Scholz’s visit reaffirms Germany’s position as a key ally for Ukraine, with ongoing diplomatic and military support continuing despite the evolving geopolitical landscape.
