Medvedev stirs controversy over Zelenskyy-Scholz pact amid Germany's historic support for Ukraine
5:12 AM EST, February 17, 2024
Medvedev aired his thoughts on the pact, which was inked in Berlin, via his Telegram account. He wrote, "A new alliance emerges, Nazis and Bandera's disciples. Their common refrain: 'Glory to Ukraine!' The loaded reply: 'Deutschland über alles!'".
The Russian statesman also posted an old, newspaper-style photo depicting the document signing ceremony.
A Historic Step Forward
At a combined press conference with the Ukraine President last Friday in Berlin, the German Chancellor disclosed a fresh arms deal valued at approximately €1.1 billion (around $1.22 billion). The agreement comprises, among others, the shipment of 36 howitzers, artillery ammunition (120,000 rounds), two additional IRIS-T anti-aircraft systems, and missiles for these - Scholz reported.
"The security pact between our two nations marks a historic step forward". It reaffirms Germany's ongoing support of an independent Ukraine in its defense against Russian belligerence, for as long as it takes,” reassured the Chancellor. He also noted that "the Ukrainians would be assisted in building modern military forces capable of deterring any future assault."
Chancellor Scholz touched on the significance of the pact by noting that Putin had not achieved any of his objectives. "The resiliency of the Ukrainian people truly is praiseworthy," he noted, acknowledging that Ukrainian forces had been successful in reclaiming over half of the territories the Russians had seized.
From Germany's perspective, Chancellor Scholz pointed out how the relations with Ukraine "have attained a completely new level" in the past two years. Germany has so far donated nearly €7.1 billion (around $7.85 billion) in military aid to Ukraine, with an additional €6 billion (approximately $6.64 billion) pledged for the upcoming years.
The Passing of Nawalny
Zelenskyy's trip to Berlin coincides with the announcement of Alexei Nawalny's demise in a Russian penal colony.
"Upon hearing of Alexei Nawalny's death in a Russian jail, it was evident to me that he was murdered by Putin, much like the thousands of others who have been tortured and hunted by this brute," Zelenskyy declared in Berlin during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Despite being a frequent social media user, Medvedev didn't utter a word on the unfortunate passing of the Russian opposition figure.