German chancellor: We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday that Germany will continue to support Ukraine in its war with Russia for as long as it takes.

"In light of the latest (Russian) attacks -- now more than ever -- recovery of a peaceful and prosperous Ukraine is our joint endeavor. I am convinced that we are stronger together," Scholz said in Berlin at the end of an international conference on rebuilding Ukraine.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, meanwhile, stressed the need to find ways to better protect his country's critical infrastructure against Russian attacks.

"I think today's priorities are very natural because, during these two weeks, Russia destroyed our infrastructure, electricity infrastructure, heating infrastructure and water supply infrastructure creating the biggest humanitarian catastrophe on the European continent," said Shmyhal. "And to start this we need united efforts and we need to create something to resist these intentions of terrorist country Russia.”

The G7 and the European Union have jointly launched a Marshall Plan to reconstruct Ukraine.

The Marshall Plan was a US-sponsored program for European recovery after World War II, triggering extensive investment into the region.

The Ukrainian reconstruction conference brought together policymakers, business people, representatives of international organizations and the Ukrainian government to discuss key matters for the recovery and reconstruction of that country.