Zelensky arrives in Berlin to discuss rebuilding Ukraine and strengthening air defence
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky arrived in Germany today to take part in the third International Conference for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, which is being held in the country's capital and will be attended by numerous European leaders and Ukrainian ministers.
I addressed Ukraine Recovery Conference #URC2024 and emphasized the importance of comprehensive efforts to defend Ukraine, ensure societal resilience, and preserve our common European way of life against Russian aggression.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 11, 2024
In Zelensky's own words, the main objective of the summit is to find "urgent solutions for the energy sector in the face of Russian air terror", in reference to the latest Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.
"Russia's greatest strategic advantage over Ukraine is superiority in the sky. It is terrorism with missiles and bombs that helps Russian troops advance on the ground," Zelensky explained during the Berlin event. "Air defence is the answer," he stressed.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who opened the conference, echoed Zelensky's words and called on attendees to support the initiative to "strengthen Ukraine's air defence as much as possible".
Regarding the reconstruction of the country, the German leader stressed that business had a vital role to play in this area, adding that there is great potential in Ukraine for industries such as renewable energy and pharmaceuticals.
Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024: “United in defence. United in Recovery. Stronger Together” #URC2024 pic.twitter.com/6jsl0NjTx0
— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) June 11, 2024
German Development Minister Svenja Schulze said that Ukraine urgently needed help to rebuild what had been destroyed by the Russian invasion over the years. Schulze indicated that, even in the midst of the current war, it is necessary to continually rebuild houses, hospitals and electricity grids. According to World Bank figures, the damage caused by the Russian offensive amounts to at least 486 billion dollars.
On the sidelines of the conference, Zelenski will meet with Chancellor Scholz, with whom he will discuss further military assistance, as well as the strengthening of Ukraine's air defence system and joint arms production, according to the Ukrainian leader. The two leaders will also discuss the upcoming Peace Summit to be held on the 15th and 16th in Switzerland, as well as the NATO summit in Washington in July.
We are sincerely grateful to @David_Cameron for the incredible support of the full confiscation of Russian frozen assets for the victory of Ukraine! #MakeRussiaPay
— ICUV | International Centre for Ukrainian Victory (@ICUVua) June 11, 2024
It is a great pleasure to meet you in person during The Ukraine Recovery Conference #URC2024 in Berlin… pic.twitter.com/XdW9GzfVwE
Berlin recently gave Ukraine the green light to use German weapons against Russian targets, a decision that was previously avoided in order to prevent an escalation of the war with Moscow. Germany, which abandoned its traditional pacifist stance, has become the second largest provider of military aid to Ukraine after the United States following Russia's 2022 invasion.
In addition to Scholz, Zelensky will also meet Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Bundestag Speaker Barbel Bas and visit a military base where Ukrainian military personnel are training.
In Germany, I held a meeting with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 11, 2024
We discussed the security situation in Ukraine, our current needs against Russian attacks on the energy sector, and the ongoing hostilities along the frontline.
We also discussed Ukraine's expectations… pic.twitter.com/1TMaeazW1h
Among those attending the two-day event are Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron.
Key figures from the European economic sphere will also participate, such as the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Nadia Calviño; the Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Mathias Cormann, and the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud-Basso.
In total, more than 2,000 people from politics, business and civil society from 60 countries are expected to participate in the conference, which follows one organised by Switzerland in 2022 and the UK last year. It is expected to be held in Italy in 2025.
