Ukraine Liveblog: Ukraine: Would never attack own nuclear power plant

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has announced extensive further arms deliveries to Ukraine. A new package has been launched that includes state-of-the-art air defense systems, rocket launchers, ammunition and anti-drone devices, Scholz said on Tuesday at a conference on the situation in Crimea, to which he was connected from Canada. As a government spokesman said on request, Kyiv three other Iris-T anti-aircraft systems, a dozen armored recovery vehicles and 20 pick-up rocket launchers receive. Overall, according to the spokesman, it is about armaments worth well over 500 million euros.

The money still has to be released by the budget committee. The weapons are to be delivered “mainly in 2023”, “some much earlier”. According to the information, the package also includes precision ammunition. The government spokesman explained that it was the beginning of a sustainable modernization of the Ukrainian armed forces.

Scholz promised Ukraine continued support in the war against Russia at the Crimea conference. “The international community will never accept Russia’s illegal, imperialist annexation of Ukrainian territory,” said the SPD politician. Ukraine’s partners are united like never before. “I can assure you: Germany stands firmly by Ukraine’s side as long as Ukraine needs our support.”

Scholz also said that Germany and its partners would Maintain sanctions against Russia, help financially, supply weapons and also take part in reconstruction. “I am sure that Ukraine will overcome the dark shadow of war – because it is strong, courageous and united in its struggle for independence and sovereignty,” said the Chancellor. “And because she has friends in Europe and all over the world.”