Ukraine’s Western supporters must send a clear signal that military aid for the country’s battle against the ongoing Russian invasion will continue over the long-term, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.
Scholz’s remarks on Monday come days before a major European Union summit.
“It is important, especially in this situation, that we signal to Ukraine together in Europe and far beyond that it can rely on our help,” Scholz said at a joint press conference in Berlin with outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Scholz said such a signal would also send an important message of resolve to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The war in Ukraine will likely drag on for a long time, said Scholz: “That is why it is also important to formulate a long-term perspective, that we are prepared to support Ukraine for as long as necessary – and to the extent required.”
Putin is counting on declining support from the West for Ukraine as part of his strategy in the invasion, Scholz said.
“It would be an important message if we told him: ‘Don’t count on it, we are prepared to do what is necessary for as long as it takes,'” Scholz said.
European leaders are set to decide during the summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday whether to open formal negotiations with Ukraine about joining the EU.
However, Hungary has threatened to veto the decision, which must be made unanimously. Ukraine has warned of “devastating consequences” if this were to happen.
Financial aid for Ukraine will also be discussed at the summit as part of the negotiations on the long-term EU budget for the period 2021 to 2027. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has also suggested he may object to aid as well./dpa-Argumentum.al
