Vitaly Saenko15:58, 02/16/24
Russia is not ready for a just end to the war, German Chancellor believes.
The conclusion of an agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Germany indicates that the German side will not reduce its support for Ukraine.
As an UNIAN correspondent reports, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said this in Berlin at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
Scholz believes that the security cooperation agreement signed today represents a peaceful future for Ukraine in which it will develop.
The Chancellor clarified that this agreement has nothing to do with negotiations with Russia according to the Russian scenario for the sake of a “quick peace.”
“I must clearly state, of course, we all want this war to end as quickly as possible. Just like each and everyone in Ukraine. But unfortunately, we see that Russia is not ready for a long and just peace. On the contrary, it continues to pursue their goals, as Putin demonstrated to us again recently,” Scholz said.
In this context, Scholz said that two years after the start of a terrible full-scale war, he is sending a clear signal to the Russian president: “We will not weaken our support for Ukraine. We will continue to stand next to Ukrainian women and Ukrainians.”
As the German Chancellor noted, the security cooperation agreement with Ukraine is “difficult to overestimate,” since it determines that Germany will continue to support an independent Ukraine, which is now defending itself against Russian aggression. He assures that this support will continue as long as needed.
“We will support Ukrainian partners in developing modern, defense-capable armed forces in order to prevent any future Russian aggression. If Russia thinks about this in the future, then we have detailed agreements, diplomatic, economic and military, on how we will help Ukraine “, Scholz emphasized.
He also noted that Germany has become the second country after Great Britain to conclude a security cooperation agreement with Ukraine. Behind Germany there will be other countries, including France.
In addition, this agreement covers civilian assistance, including mine clearance, energy infrastructure in Ukraine and the reconstruction process.
It also reflects the values that Germany and Ukraine share. The document is based on democracy and the rule of law, the German Chancellor emphasized.
“In turn, Ukraine takes responsibility for continuing the reforms that lead to Ukraine’s accession to the EU,” Scholz said.
(c)UNIAN 2024
“In turn, Ukraine takes responsibility for continuing the reforms that lead to Ukraine’s accession to the EU,”
That’s important, because this agreement isn’t a one way street, the membership of Ukraine will strengthen the EU, too. Unlike some new members of the past, Ukraine shows a strong will for reforms and brings industrial, agricultural and military abilities into the partnership. The strategic location’s also important. This will boost Europe’s economy and defence. So, to support such a promising new member will bring rewards in the future, is in the best interest of EU nations.