BERLIN: The leaders of Britain and Germany, Rishi Sunak and Olaf Scholz, on Wednesday affirmed their commitment to stand by Ukraine for the duration of its conflict with Russia. However, Chancellor Scholz reiterated Germany’s stance against delivering long-range Taurus missiles to Kyiv.
During a press conference in Berlin, Sunak emphasized the unity between the UK and Germany in supporting Ukraine’s efforts, asserting that Russian aggression must ultimately fail. He underscored the importance of defending shared values and expressed determination to provide sustained assistance to Ukraine.
Sunak’s visit to Germany follows his recent trip to Poland, where he announced additional financial support for Ukraine and reiterated the UK’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities.
Acknowledging the urgency of the situation in Ukraine, Sunak pledged an additional £500 million ($617 million) in aid, bringing the total UK contribution to £12 billion. He also emphasized the need for increased supplies of essential equipment, such as ammunition and air defenses, to help Ukraine fend off Russian attacks.
Meanwhile, Germany’s response has included sending an additional Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. However, Chancellor Scholz reiterated Germany’s reluctance to provide long-range Taurus missiles, citing concerns over potential escalation.
Despite differences on specific military assistance, Sunak and Scholz announced plans for joint cooperation in developing remote-controlled artillery systems for Boxer armored vehicles. This collaboration signifies a “new chapter” in bilateral relations, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of collective security and prosperity.
Sunak’s visit also highlighted broader discussions on NATO defense spending targets and the evolving security landscape in Europe and beyond. While NATO countries face pressure to increase defense expenditure, Sunak refrained from endorsing a specific target but emphasized the need for greater investment in defense capabilities.
In light of escalating global threats, both leaders underscored the importance of strategic partnerships and collective action to address security challenges effectively. The UK and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to supporting stability and security in the region.
