Shortly after arrival there was an air alert: The increased Russian attacks also influenced Economics Minister Habeck’s visit to Kiev. The minister himself reiterated the urgency of further support.
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck traveled to the Ukrainian capital Kiev. Upon his arrival, the Green Party politician said the visit came at a time when Ukraine needed all support in its fight for freedom. “And it is a fight for freedom.”
He added: “Yes, Ukraine is fighting for its own self-determination, for its territorial integrity against Putin’s aggression, but it is also fighting for the values that unite and define Europe.” That morning, Habeck laid flowers at a memorial wall for fallen Ukrainian soldiers.
The Minister of Economics is accompanied by a business delegation. The focus of the trip is Russia’s recent attacks on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure, emergency aid, strengthening the Ukrainian economy and economic relations with Germany.
Air alert shortly after Habeck’s arrival
Just a few hours after Habeck’s arrival, an air alarm was sounded in Kiev. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, there was a threat of a missile attack. According to the air force, the night before there were again Russian drone attacks in seven regions. The drones were successfully repelled.
Russia has recently increased its missile and bomb attacks on Ukraine – Ukrainian power plants have also been targeted. Many had to be temporarily shut down. At the weekend, the federal government announced that it would supply the country with another “Patriot” air defense system.
additional Anti-aircraft system before delivery
Habeck said that in addition to military destruction on the front, Russian President Vladimir Putin was also targeting the civilian population. The Ukrainians impressed him with their ability to improvise during his last visit a year ago. “The situation is certainly challenging, but the Ukrainians have been able to hold their ground again and again over the last two years. And whatever Germany can do to support it, it will do so.”
Helmut Rauch, the head of the defense company Diehl Defense, which produces the Iris-T-SLM anti-aircraft systems, accompanied Habeck. “Our long-term goal is of course that the systems can be maintained, repaired and the like on site in Ukraine,” said Rauch. So far, Diehl has delivered three systems to Ukraine. The system is used to protect Kiev.
A fourth system will be delivered by his company in the coming weeks, said Rauch at a meeting between Habeck and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs Julia Swyrydenko and business representatives. More should follow this year.
Hope for a new US aid package
Habeck then said that he hoped for the next US aid package to be passed “so that Ukraine can successfully fight for freedom.”
Svyrydenko described the package as extremely important. Ukraine has a budget gap of around 37 billion euros this year. The EU Commission’s help is important, “but of course we rely on this US help, not only in terms of macro-financial support, but above all in terms of military aid.” Macrofinancial assistance means financial assistance.
In the US, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on a long-delayed aid package on Saturday. 61 billion US dollars are earmarked for Ukraine. Washington also said that President Joe Biden should make long-range ATACMS missile systems available to Ukraine “as soon as practicable.”
Rebecca Barth, ARD Berlin, tagesschau, April 18, 2024 3:38 p.m