PRESS RELEASE : The future of European security architecture is being decided in Ukraine today – Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the meeting with German Chancellor

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 February 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the main topics of his talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv were security challenges and the peace process, as the future of European security architecture, of which our state is a part, is being decided today in Ukraine. He said this in a statement to the media following talks with Olaf Scholz.

“We talked about key approaches to this very important process. About the need to include specific legal guarantees that can protect the state of Ukraine in this architecture. We share the common vision that the escalation on the Ukrainian-Russian border is an unprecedented challenge for Europe and the world,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to him, the common position of the partners and their concrete actions to support our state and strengthen its resilience and defense capabilities are beneficial for the whole region and the European Union as a whole.

“I reiterated that Ukraine is a reliable ally and a true outpost of democracy in the region. That is why today, at a time of unprecedented challenges, the enhanced support for Ukraine by partners is extremely important,” the President stressed.

According to the President, Olaf Scholz expressed Germany’s full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders, stressed its readiness to support our country and work together within the Crimea Platform to end the temporary occupation of Crimea.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed recent steps in the framework of a peaceful settlement in Donbas. It was emphasized that in a short time two rounds of talks were held between the political advisers of the Normandy Four in Paris and Berlin.

“I would like to note in this context the role of the new Federal Government of Germany and of the Chancellor personally. It is important that Mr. Scholz and I share a common vision of a peaceful approach. We expect that in the near future we will be able to hold further talks and agree on a summit of the leaders of the Normandy Four,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President of Ukraine also expects that during his visit to Russia on February 15, the Federal Chancellor will present not only the position of Germany, but also the united position of the entire transatlantic community, the priority of which is Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“It is really important for us that before going to Russia, the German Chancellor held talks in Kyiv. We appreciate this manifestation of solidarity,” the Ukrainian President added.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that during the talks with Olaf Scholz he reiterated his clear position that the most effective approach to deterring aggression is the application of preventive sanctions.

The President also noted that it is very important for Ukraine to purchase weaponry and military equipment using the mechanisms of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, and he raised this issue during talks with the German Chancellor.

It is also extremely important for Ukraine that its partners stand firm on the position of an open door policy as regards NATO.

“We look forward to the support for Ukraine’s full membership in the European Union. Such a step would be a powerful signal of support for the geopolitical choice of the Ukrainian people recognized by our legislation and many countries around the world,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

For his part, Olaf Scholz said that he was visiting Ukraine at this important time with the message that Germany stands side by side with our country. According to him, Germany is trying to find a diplomatic solution to the current complicated situation.

“Together with France, we have intensified our efforts in the Normandy format. It is a difficult process, but I am convinced that it is worth every effort,” said the Chancellor.

Olaf Scholz stressed that Germany is concerned about the situation on the Ukrainian-Russian border. He believes that Russia’s military activities are not justified and there are no logical reasons for such an increase in military capabilities.

“It is clear to the German Federal Government that military aggression against Ukraine will have serious political, economic and geostrategic consequences for Russia. I will emphasize this in Moscow tomorrow,” he said.

The Federal Chancellor also thanked the Ukrainian leadership for its prudent response to the difficult and threatening situation and its responsible policy.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Olaf Scholz on his first visit to Ukraine and noted that Germany is a key partner of our country in terms of supporting its European integration aspirations and an important partner for Ukraine in general.