UPDATE - Germany’s Scholz makes surprise visit to Kyiv

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS, ADDS MORE REMARKS BY SCHOLZ

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Monday, arriving by overnight train for his second trip to Ukraine since the outbreak of war with Russia.

In his arrival remarks, Scholz praised Ukraine's resilience in defending itself against Russia for over 1,000 days. He announced a new military aid package worth €650 million ($683 million) to be delivered this month.

“With my renewed visit here in Kyiv, I would like to express my solidarity with Ukraine. And I would like to make it clear here on the ground that Germany will remain Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe,” Scholz said.

“Ukraine can rely on Germany – we say what we do. And we do what we say,” he stressed, perhaps referring to a feared cutoff in US aid once Donald Trump starts his second presidential term on Jan. 20, a reversal from current US policy.

Ahead of Trump’s inauguration, many European leaders have been underlining their continued support for Ukraine.

Together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Scholz visited a military hospital in the capital Kyiv to meet with wounded soldiers. The two leaders then laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance, located near St. Michael's Monastery, to pay tribute to those who died for Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Scholz reaffirmed Germany's unwavering commitment to Ukraine's defense.

"One thing is clear – we all want an end to this brutal war. No one desires peace more than the Ukrainian people,” he said. “That's why our unwavering support, our military aid, and our determined fight against Russian aggression represent one side of the coin. The other side is exploring paths toward a fair, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine."

Scholz highlighted Germany's position as Ukraine's second-largest military supporter after the US, with contributions totaling €28 billion. He detailed the extensive air defense support provided, including multiple Iris-T SLM and Patriot systems, along with dozens of Gepard anti-aircraft tanks and associated equipment.

The chancellor then outlined future commitments: "This December, we will deliver a sixth Iris-T SLM system, additional Patriot launchers, and more anti-aircraft Gepard tanks. Looking ahead to 2025, our support will expand to include new air defense systems, howitzers, combat and reconnaissance drones, artillery ammunition, and six armed Sea King helicopters.”

Scholz's visit comes ahead of German elections in February, with Ukraine policy emerging as a contentious issue. While mainstream parties back ongoing military aid to Ukraine, opposition groups – including the far-right AfD and left-wing populist BSW – stand against such support.