LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
"Historic Step": Zelensky Signs Security Pact With Germany
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has signed a significant security agreement with Germany, marking a major moment of support from Berlin in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
17 February 2024 · 11:33 UTC
As the Ukraine conflict nears its third-year mark, Zelensky is advocating for consistent financial and military support at the Munich Security Conference, attended by global leaders including US Vice President Kamala Harris.
During a time of critical need due to ammunition shortages and renewed Russian offensives—particularly around Avdiivka—Zelensky's tour across Europe seeks to secure essential aid while combatting ally fatigue over the war.
Uncertainty looms over future Western assistance, especially with US politics affecting a potential $60-billion military aid package stalled in Congress. The EU has also acknowledged delays in fulfilling its promised artillery shell support.
Against this backdrop, German Chancellor Scholz emphasized Germany's unwavering commitment to Ukraine, including a new 1.1 billion euro immediate military aid package. The Germany-Ukraine security deal is pivotal, aiming to help rebuild a robust post-war Ukrainian military.
An identical accord with France is expected but remained unspecified at the time.
The pressure of dealing with multiple global crises, including the Middle East conflict, is evident at the Munich Security Conference.
The war in Ukraine, though a primary focus, shares the stage with the Israeli-Palestinian situation, drawing attention from world leaders including Israel's Herzog, Palestinian PM Shtayyeh, and Jordan's King Abdullah II.
Discussions on long-term Israeli-Palestinian peace are anticipated, coinciding with mediation efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza before potential Israeli military action in Rafah. The region has witnessed extensive casualties on both sides due to ongoing hostilities.