Germany prepare €1.4 billion winter aid package for Ukraine, - Scholz
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Germany has already provided almost 24 billion euros in aid to Ukraine. Currently, a winter package is being prepared, the main task of which is to create a "protective shield". It is expected that, among other things, it will include air defense systems Patriot, Iris-T6, Gepard, etc.
As reported by Censor.NET with reference to Ukrinform, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made this statement at the opening of the 6th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum in Berlin.
"Civil and military aid from Germany since the beginning of the war has reached 24 billion euros," Scholz informed and reminded that according to this indicator, Germany is the second partner supporting Ukraine after the USA.
According to him, Germany is currently preparing a winter package, the main task of which is to create a "protective shield" in view of the obvious plans of the Russian Federation to continue bombing energy and other infrastructure, "to use the cold as a weapon against the civilian population." The package is estimated at 1.4 billion euros and includes, among others, air defense systems Patriot, Iris-T6, Gepard, etc.
The head of the government noted that last week the energy system support package in the amount of EUR 80 million was also approved.
Scholz noted that Ukraine was able to ensure the operation of the economy despite the war, and called the expected figures of economic growth encouraging. According to the chancellor, it is no coincidence that almost 2,000 German companies are active in Ukraine.
"Whoever invests in Ukraine now, invests in a future member of the EU," the chancellor said and promised that Germany would accompany Ukraine on the path of reforms to membership in the European Union.
The chancellor also urged German companies in Germany to employ Ukrainians, as many of the almost 1 million refugees are highly educated and hardworking. He called on companies to better integrate Ukrainians.
Scholz emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin was wrong when he thought he could quickly conquer Ukraine, but also when he believed that Ukraine's partners would tire of support.
"We will support Ukraine as long as necessary. Together with our partners in the EU, G7 and many other countries, we have no doubts about our solidarity and determination... Ukraine can rely on Germany," the politician assured.
