EU hosts conference to boost economic ties – DW – 04/18/2024

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on EU leaders on Wednesday to send more Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine after Kyiv said it is running out of weaponry to withstand Russian attacks.

Scholz emphasized the urgency of immediate action at an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, while reiterating Germany’s commitment to support Kyiv’s defense against intensified Russian attacks.

“Now it is about doing it quickly and not at some point in the future,” the German leader said.

Germany announced on Saturday its decision to supply a Patriot air defense system following Ukraine’s appeals for aid to counter Russian bombardments.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing EU leaders via video link, highlighted a recent attack in Chernigiv that killed 17 people. 

Amid ongoing Russian strikes, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also urged member states to prioritize aid to Ukraine.

“If allies face a choice between meeting NATO capability targets and providing more aid to Ukraine, my message is clear: Send more to Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said.

The European Union is organizing the “Ukraine’s Future Summit 2024” in Brussels on Thursday, marking another step in Ukraine’s economic and political integration with Europe.

The summit will bring together corporate leaders to explore opportunities for EU-based companies to invest in Ukraine.

Discussions will focus on key sectors of the Ukrainian economy, with an emphasis on promoting sustainable development and strengthening economic ties between the EU and Ukraine.

Those attending include Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Economy Oleksii Sobolev, European Commission’s Gert Jan Koopman and Volker Oel from the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

This event follows the EU’s decision in December last year to begin membership talks with Ukraine, a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as “a victory for Ukraine, a victory for all of Europe.”

ss/rm (Reuters, AFP, AP, dpa)