Berlin/Aachen (dpa) – The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the people of Ukraine have been awarded the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen in recognition of their services to European unity. On his first visit to Europe since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression Zelenskiy also met Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, where he thanked Germany for aiding Ukraine’s defensive struggle. Federal Chancellor Scholz pledged further military support for Ukraine.
“We will support you for as long as is necessary,” he assured his counterpart. The German government has promised to supply more arms worth 2.7 billion euros to Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the new supplies include 20 more Marder infantry fighting vehicles, 30 Leopard 1 battle tanks and 4 Iris-T-SLM air defence systems.
At the presentation of the Charlemagne Prize, Federal Chancellor Scholz expressed his belief that it marked a new beginning for Europe growing together more closely. Alongside Ukraine he also mentioned the Western Balkans states, Moldova and potentially Georgia. Scholz assured Zelenskiy that “Ukraine has our full support as you make your way to joining the European Union,” and he stressed that Ukraine was “part of our European family”. The International Charlemagne Prize has been awarded since 1950 in recognition of services to Europe and European unity. Many leading statesmen and women have received the award.
Zelenskiy began his visit by thanking Germany for its wide-ranging support. During his reception with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Zelenskiy wrote in the guest book that, “In the most difficult period of Ukraine’s modern history, Germany has proved itself to be our true friend and trustworthy ally, standing resolutely by the side of the Ukrainian people in our struggle to defend freedom and democratic values.”
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