Following the suspension of US military aid, Ukrainian President Zelensky spoke with Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU and winner of the Bundestag elections. Russia welcomes the US move.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on the X platform that he had thanked Friedrich Merz for his support for Ukraine, which was under attack by Russia. They had coordinated their positions and agreed on further cooperation and contacts, Zelensky continued.
Ukraine highly appreciates Germany's efforts to restore security in Europe and support Ukraine, he added. Zelensky also noted that Germany is the main supplier of air defense systems to Ukraine and also plays a crucial role when it comes to financial assistance.
Merzi has repeatedly spoken in favor of German support for Ukraine. He initially did not comment on the content of the conversation, but retweeted Zelensky's post on X. The CDU leader has repeatedly spoken in favor of maintaining German support for Ukraine.
US President Trump had announced that he would suspend and review military aid to Ukraine. According to a report by the New York Times, the order takes effect immediately and also affects weapons that are in the process of being delivered.
Ukraine hopes for cooperation
However, Ukraine hopes for continued support from Washington. President Zelensky expressed regret for the disagreement in X. He said that it is a pity what happened. It was time to put things in their place.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at a press conference that they would continue to "calmly work with the United States through all available channels." The Ukrainian military was able to hold the front against Russian forces. However, American aid was crucial in saving thousands of lives.
Shmyhal noted that Ukraine had only the American Patriot air defense system to protect itself against ballistic missiles. Now there are supply risks. He added that Ukraine was also ready to sign a goods agreement requested by US President Trump. In fact, the agreement was to be signed at the White House last Friday. However, it did not materialize due to the disagreement between Trump and Zelensky.
Criticism from some European countries about the US decision
Several European countries have criticized the US decision to suspend military aid. This would strengthen Russia's position and make it more difficult to reach a peace settlement, explained for example the French Secretary of State for Europe Benjamin Haddad. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that a sovereign Ukraine that can be defended means a stronger and more secure Poland. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stressed that Russia's aggressive policy should not be rewarded.
Russia has welcomed the suspension of US military aid to Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov spoke of it as an important step towards peace./ DW (A2 Televizion)
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