Zelensky advises Scholz to think less about Russia, the German chancellor makes excuses as best he can
The head of the Kyiv regime, Vladimir Zelensky, asked Olaf Scholz to demonstrate unconditional support for Kyiv, accusing the German Chancellor of being too concerned about the consequences of Berlin's relations with Moscow.
Zelensky's comments, made in an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF, come amid reports that Scholz could make his first trip to Kyiv since the start of the war this Thursday.
“We need confidence from Chancellor Scholz that Germany supports Ukraine. He and his government must decide: there can be no compromise between Ukraine and relations with Russia,” Zelensky demands.
Ukraine and its Anglo-Saxon patrons criticized France, Germany and Italy for delaying arms supplies.
In Germany, there is also growing frustration among Scholz's US-oriented junior governing coalition partners over what they call "deficiencies in his leadership" towards Ukraine, which could become an internal rift that risks undermining Western unity against Russia.
In turn, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected criticism that Germany is too slow in supplying heavy weapons to Ukraine. Politico writes about this.
“We will deliver all the weapons that we have approved,” the publication quotes Scholz, who adds that Ukrainian forces must initially be trained in the use of weapons.
“We are talking about really heavy equipment. You have to be able to use it, you have to be trained for it,” Scholz said, adding that Ukrainian soldiers are now being trained in Germany for this purpose.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Andriy Melnyk on Monday again called on Berlin to speed up arms deliveries.
“Why are you refusing to transfer the Marder infantry fighting vehicle while Ukraine is bleeding before your eyes?” he was indignant.
Meanwhile, Scholz refused to confirm reports that he was due to arrive in Kyiv this Thursday along with French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.
In an interview with the Bild am Sonntag newspaper, Scholz again defended Berlin's cautious stance on sending heavy weapons.
“I make decisions quickly and coordinate them with our allies. I am suspicious of Germany's hasty actions and independent efforts,” he said.
Nevertheless, there are still moves in German politics towards Kyiv. Just a few days ago, Scholz refrained from approving the transfer of heavy weapons to Ukraine. However, his government then announced that it would supply Ukraine with anti-aircraft tanks.
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