German Chancellor and Nordic Leaders Call for Increased Aid to Ukraine Amid Russian Assault
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his Nordic counterparts, with whom he met on Monday in Sweden, have called for urgent increase in aid to Ukraine, which is facing a new Russian assault in the northeast region of Kharkiv, as reported by News.ro citing Le Monde.
The leaders expressed their commitment to support Ukraine as long as necessary during a press conference held in Stockholm. Germany, which announced in April the deployment of an additional Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, urges its European allies to follow suit.
Berlin hopes that other European countries will also step up as Ukraine requires more ammunition, tanks, and air defense systems, stated Chancellor Scholz. “We need to do more. It is crucial that the debate does not end here but concrete decisions are made across Europe,” emphasized Scholz.
Romania is among the European countries possessing Patriot systems, and President Klaus Iohannis recently expressed readiness to discuss this matter. However, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu stated on Sunday night that Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr has serious reservations regarding Romania providing Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system, clarifying that the decision will be made within the Supreme Council for Country’s Defense (CSAT).
Ukraine is urging its Western allies to send air defense systems, particularly Patriots, known for their effectiveness in intercepting ballistic missiles. Several European countries, including the Netherlands, have these systems.
“The main reason for Ukraine’s current losses is the lack of air defense, and we have the systems. If we had one wish, it would be to deliver the air defense systems as soon as possible,” appealed Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, adding, “We all need to feel the urgency of the situation.”
The Nordic leaders and the German Chancellor were scheduled to discuss the support provided to Ukraine during a dinner on Monday evening. The Nordic countries and Germany have been among the largest supporters of Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022, with Berlin ranking as the second-largest global donor (totaling 14.5 billion euros), according to the Kiel Institute.
Russian forces continue their offensive in Kharkiv, where dozens of square kilometers have been captured within days, leading to the evacuation of 6,000 people. Additionally, Russia is advancing along the entire front line, with Kyiv acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
