During his first visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Finance Minister Lindner pledged further support to the country. He said he had “sympathy” for the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles ARD.
Germany will continue to support Ukraine financially. The assured Federal Minister of Finance Christian Lindner after talks in the Ukrainian Ministry of Finance in Kiev. “For the next few years, we have already firmly planned continued support for Ukraine in our budget planning,” said Lindner.
Lindner emphasized that Germany has already mobilized 22 billion euros – this includes expenses for accommodation, food and care for refugees from Ukraine. The military aid amounted to more than twelve billion euros.
Direct investments and debt deferral
At the meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Serhiy Marchenko, Lindner also discussed how Ukraine could become more attractive for foreign direct investments and how the administration could be given concrete support: “We want to make our contribution to ensuring that Ukraine has a prosperous future, especially then when, hopefully, Ukraine will soon have won the terrible war,” said Lindner.
In addition, Germany and other creditors announced in July 2022 that they would grant Ukraine a delay in repaying debts. A debt moratorium for Ukraine was extended to 2027 in March of this year.
“Taurus” delivery: Lindner signals sympathy
Germany is also supporting Ukraine’s defense struggle by supplying arms. There is currently a debate about a possible delivery of cruise missiles of the “Taurus” type. Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a cautious statement on ZDF yesterday. As in the past, the federal government will always check every single decision very carefully, said the SPD politician.
Lindner signaled in an interview with the ARD now sympathy for the transfer of cruise missiles to Ukraine: Germany will discuss with its allies what is needed and what is possible. He assumes that the decision will be made faster than with other weapons deliveries.
First visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the war
Lindner surprisingly traveled to Kiev by train for political talks. It is the FDP leader’s first visit to Ukraine since the start of the Russian war of aggression.
For him it is a special and moving moment to be in Kiev, he said. He was last there in early 2020 and got to know a country that had opted for democracy and a market economy. Today he is more convinced than ever that Ukraine was attacked by Russia because of this.
“Ukraine must not lose this war”
Lindner said Western values were being defended in Ukraine. “This is about the future of the European order of peace and freedom.” Germany will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. “Ukraine must not lose this war.”
But he is also interested – as far as possible – in finding out what everyday life was like during the terrible war. “It’s always a different impression when you’re there yourself than when you meet in Washington or Brussels or Berlin in meeting rooms.”