Global Courant
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on NATO leaders during their meeting in Vilnius in July to focus on increasing Ukraine’s combat capacity during Kiev’s counteroffensive against Russian forces.
A key issue to be raised during the July 11-12 meeting will be the future of relations between Ukraine and NATO, Scholz said.
“We must clearly see the current situation,” Scholz told lawmakers in Berlin, adding that Kiev “has itself said that NATO membership is not a requirement as long as Russia continues its war against Ukraine.”
“Therefore, I am asking that we focus on what is now the main priority, which is strengthening the fighting power of Ukraine.”
In addition, Scholz said that Germany will work with the G7 and European Union partners, but also with Kiev to reach “effective and long-term security commitments”.
These will ensure that Ukraine receives stable military support, but also the necessary economic power to defend itself from Russian aggression, the German chancellor said.
The summit in Vilnius, he said, will send “a strong signal” about transatlantic cooperation and resolve.
Germany, in addition to the military aid it has given to Ukraine, has increased spending on its army, because it needs to replace the weapons in its stocks, after the donations it has given to Kiev. /REL
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