Zelenskyy Secures New Military Aid and Meets German Leaders in Berlin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a brief but important visit to Berlin on Friday, continuing his European diplomatic tour to gather support for Ukraine. Upon landing at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) around midday, Zelenskyy’s agenda was tightly packed with high-level meetings, starting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Chancellery and later with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace. The meetings centered around continued military and financial support for Ukraine as it battles the Russian invasion.

Security was heightened across the German capital, with large parts of the city seeing road closures, restricted areas, and heavy police presence. The visit, while short, had significant implications for Ukraine’s ongoing fight, and the discussions were framed by a sense of urgency given the upcoming U.S. elections and their potential impact on Ukraine’s international alliances.

Military Aid Package Announced

At the meeting with Chancellor Scholz, Zelenskyy secured another significant military aid package from Germany. Scholz pledged an additional €1.4 billion in military assistance for Ukraine, which will include advanced air defense systems, drones, tanks, and artillery. This is part of a broader commitment from European allies to help Ukraine protect its cities and infrastructure from ongoing Russian attacks.

This latest package follows a recent €600 million aid delivery, which included Gepard anti-aircraft guns and IRIS-T missile systems. Scholz emphasized Germany’s unwavering support for Ukraine, stating, “We will continue our assistance to make clear to Russia that playing for time won’t work.” He assured that Germany would not accept a peace dictated by Moscow and stressed the importance of a solution grounded in international law.

Berlin’s Security Lockdown and Travel Disruptions

As Zelenskyy’s motorcade moved through Berlin, the city saw severe traffic restrictions. Authorities had already prepared for the visit with tightened security measures, including the deployment of sharpshooters, bomb-sniffing dogs, and surveillance over the city’s airspace and waterways. Public transportation services were also disrupted, with major delays reported on several S-Bahn and bus routes, particularly those close to government buildings like the Chancellery and Bellevue Palace.

These disruptions were part of the city’s heightened security efforts, as Zelenskyy’s visit was categorized under “Security Level 0,” a protocol applied to high-risk dignitaries. Berliners were advised to avoid certain areas, as temporary roadblocks and security checks were set up throughout the city center.

Diplomatic Discussions at Bellevue Palace

Following his meeting with Scholz, Zelenskyy visited President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace. While Steinmeier’s role is largely ceremonial, his long-standing career in German politics, including his time as foreign minister during critical moments in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, made their discussions highly relevant.

Steinmeier had been a controversial figure early in the war due to his role in pushing the Nordstream 2 pipeline, which was criticized for increasing Europe’s energy dependence on Russia. However, both leaders used the meeting to reaffirm their commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty and the need for peace talks that respect international law. Zelenskyy thanked Steinmeier for Germany’s continued support and underscored the necessity of sustained military and financial aid into 2025.

The Road to a Peace Conference

Both Zelenskyy and Scholz highlighted the importance of organizing another peace conference in the near future, with the aim of including Russia in negotiations this time. Scholz reiterated that any resolution must align with international law and that Germany would stand firm in its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Zelenskyy, meanwhile, continued to advocate for his so-called “victory plan,” which envisions Ukraine reclaiming its occupied territories while also seeking diplomatic routes to end the war. His visit to Berlin came after similar discussions in London, Paris, and Rome, as he seeks to solidify European support ahead of potentially shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly with the upcoming U.S. elections.

Delays in U.S.-Led Ramstein Meeting

Zelenskyy’s visit to Germany was initially supposed to include a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the U.S. Ramstein Air Base. However, Biden postponed his visit due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton in the southeastern U.S. This delay has shifted attention toward Europe, where leaders continue to rally behind Ukraine’s war efforts.

Despite Biden’s absence, Zelenskyy’s meeting with Scholz and Steinmeier helped reinforce Germany’s leadership role in the Western alliance supporting Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Germany for its substantial military aid, stating that German air defense systems had already saved thousands of lives in Ukraine. He stressed that Ukraine will continue to rely on such support as the conflict drags into 2025.

A European Tour to Secure Ukraine’s Future

Zelenskyy’s Berlin visit was part of a broader diplomatic campaign across Europe. In recent days, he had already visited London, where he met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Zelenskyy is using this tour to reinforce Ukraine’s alliances and secure ongoing support for his “victory plan.”

Although his planned meeting with Biden was postponed, the backing from European powers remains critical as Ukraine braces for further confrontations on the battlefield and in the geopolitical arena. As the war shows no signs of slowing, Ukraine’s leaders are pushing hard to ensure that international support continues without interruption, particularly with pivotal global events on the horizon.

With continued support from Germany and other European countries, Zelenskyy aims to keep the pressure on Russia and maintain Ukraine’s defense against aggression, all while looking for potential diplomatic solutions that can lead to a lasting peace in accordance with international law.