In view of the Russian offensive in northeastern Ukraine, Germany and the Nordic countries have promised Ukraine further arms deliveries. “We are united in our support for Ukraine in its defense against the Russian attack,” said Chancellor Olaf Scholz at a meeting with the heads of government of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland in Stockholm, Sweden. “We will continue to support Ukraine – for as long as necessary.”
Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo was even clearer. The situation on the battlefield is critical and it is time to react and do more. “We don’t want to see a new Mariupol in Kharkiv. That’s why every single country in the West, in the European Union, must immediately do everything they can.” A few days ago, Russian troops launched an offensive in the region around Kharkiv and are putting massive pressure on the Ukrainian armed forces there.
No concrete new commitments
However, there were initially no concrete new commitments, such as Patriot air defense systems, at the meeting in Stockholm. The federal government is currently trying to organize additional Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine. Germany recently provided another, bringing the total to three. However, six to seven more are still urgently needed. In addition to Germany, six other EU countries have these US-designed systems – including Sweden, which has four. The last system was not deployed until 2022.
The Swedish head of government, Ulf Kristersson, did not yet want to specify what further support his country would provide. “We have already taken over parts of the air defense and will continue to do so. How exactly and to what extent will be announced at a later date,” he said.
“Unbearable pressure” on Ukraine
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said aid to Ukraine was a top priority. “The pressure on Ukraine is unbearable.” She expressly praised the German Patriot delivery. “These are very important supplies, but we must do more, we must continue to support Ukraine so that it can defend itself and the rest of Europe.”
The heads of government also visited the technology group Ericsson with the Chancellor. On Tuesday, Scholz will continue his visit to Sweden and meet Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for bilateral talks. (dpa)