Kyiv has been asking its Western allies for more military supplies, including additional Patriot missile batteries. However, Western support has waned lately, as a major American aid package has been delayed due to political disagreements in the U.S. Congress.
“This is a tangible display of support for Ukraine during a critical period for us,” stated Zelenskyy on the Ukrainian government website. “I urge all other leaders of partner countries to do the same,” he added.
Despite the new aid, Scholz is still refusing to provide Kyiv with Taurus cruise missiles, a decision that Zelenskyy strongly criticized this week. Ukraine is seeking the German-made Taurus missiles, which have a range of approximately 500 kilometers and carry a potent warhead, to target locations beyond the frontlines, such as the Kerch Bridge connecting Russia to occupied Crimea.
Scholz remains firm in his stance against sending the German missiles to Ukraine, fearing that it could escalate the conflict or even drag Germany into a direct confrontation with Russia.
In his message on X, Zelenskyy mentioned having an “important and productive call” with Scholz, during which they discussed two upcoming conferences on peace and Ukraine’s recovery. “This is a genuine display of support for Ukraine during a critical moment. I call upon all other leaders of partner countries to do the same,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
With Western military aid to Ukraine decreasing, the Ukrainian army’s commander-in-chief appealed on Saturday for swifter support from allies to counter Moscow’s superior weaponry. Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that the situation on Ukraine’s eastern front has “significantly deteriorated in recent days.”