German Foreign Minister makes new demand on Kyiv
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on Kyiv to pay more attention to Germany's interests. He noted that since Berlin is providing Ukraine with a large amount of financial and military aid, the German defense industry should also participate in weapons procurement.
German Foreign Minister sets new demand for Kyiv
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and called on Kyiv to pay more attention to Germany's interests. He stated this in an interview with the Bild publication published on September 8.
Wadephul noted that Germany is currently one of the largest supporters of Ukraine in terms of providing financial and military aid. In his opinion, the large volume of assistance provided by Berlin to Kyiv should also bring economic benefits to Germany itself. In particular, the German defense industry should participate in military procurements being carried out for Ukraine.
"Currently, we are the strongest supporter in terms of providing financial and military support to Ukraine. Naturally, the German defense industry should also benefit from this," Wadephul said.
The German Foreign Minister said that he had also raised this issue in a conversation with Zelenskyy during his recent visit to Kyiv.
Wadephul informed the Ukrainian leader that Berlin is on Kyiv's side and will continue to support it. At the same time, he emphasized that the German government must also justify this policy to the country's taxpayers.
In this regard, he stated the need to ensure at least the participation of German defense industry companies in arms procurements carried out for Ukraine.
Germany to allocate an additional 60 million euros to Ukraine
Johann Wadephul visited Kyiv on August 22. At a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, he announced that Germany would allocate an additional 60 million euros in aid to Ukraine.
In addition, Berlin will transfer another 10 million euros to the NATO fund. The funds of this fund will be spent, among other things, on delivering energy resources, medical equipment, and anti-drone defense systems to Ukraine.
Wadephul also stated that negotiations with partners in various countries regarding the delivery of additional air defense systems to Ukraine would continue.
Thus, while continuing its military and financial support to Ukraine, Germany also wants its own defense industry to participate in the procurements carried out within the framework of this assistance.