Olaf Scholz announces transfer of air defense systems and ammunition to Ukraine for critical infrastructure protection

Germany will transfer air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition to Ukraine in the coming months to protect critical infrastructure.

Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz made this announcement during the broadcast of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin.

"We will deliver the third Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, as well as IRIS-T and Gepard installations, missiles, and ammunition. All of this will be sent to Ukraine in the coming months and weeks," Scholz said.

He informed that Germany is sending more air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition to strengthen the defense of Kyiv against the onslaught of Russian attacks on cities and critical infrastructure.

"The best form of reconstruction is the one that doesn't have to happen at all," said Scholz.

In his opening remarks on Tuesday, Scholz emphasized the importance of private capital in recovery efforts, stating that "it must also be economically viable."

"Those who participate early, who develop and expand their economic relations with Ukraine now, will be in the vanguard. On behalf of the German industry, I can say that they are doing this," said Scholz.

He made this statement to delegates, including President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte.

In his speech, Scholz also confirmed support for Ukraine's possible membership in the European Union.

"A few months after the start of the war with Russia, we jointly gave Ukraine a solid promise: Ukraine's future is in the EU," he said, noting that the promise remains valid.

A representative of the German Foreign Ministry stated that a number of declarations of intent and agreements to support recovery will be signed during the Berlin Conference.

The German government and the European Commission will sign an agreement to increase funding for the "Comprehensive Response Center for Ukraine" to 75 million euros.

Under this initiative, funds were allocated for the purchase of Ukrainian equipment for demining towns and villages, as well as for the protection of nuclear power plants and support for energy supply after attacks on power stations.