Zelenskyy and Scholz hold talks in Berlin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Sunday.

Zelenskyy was welcomed by Scholz at the chancellor's office after flying into the German capital from Italy. They began their talks shortly after 10:00 a.m., local time.

Ahead of the meeting, the German defense ministry on Saturday announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine worth more than 2.7 billion euros, or about 2.9 billion dollars, to support its planned counteroffensive against Russian forces.

The package includes 30 German-made Leopard 1 tanks -- an older model -- along with infantry fighting vehicles and air defense systems.

German media reports say Germany's military assistance for Ukraine would double with the new package.

Other European countries have also increased their military aid to Ukraine. Britain has provided Ukraine with ultra-long range cruise missiles.

At a joint news conference after their meeting, Zelenskyy thanked Scholz and the people of Germany for helping to save the lives of Ukrainians. He expressed his determination to carry out the planned counteroffensive.

Zelenskyy denied that Ukraine intends to attack Russia. He noted that Ukraine has no time or weapons for attacking Russia as its forces are preparing for the counteroffensive to recover its territory.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230514_17/