Merkel Arrives in Kyiv on Farewell Working Visit as Chancellor: Key Points from Press Conference with Zelensky
Also before Merkel's arrival, a scandal erupted involving Klitschko.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Ukraine on the afternoon of August 22 on a working visit for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Following the joint press conference, we look at how the meeting went and which topics were raised in the talks.
Who will provide guarantees after 2024?
During the joint press conference with Merkel, Zelensky said that, following the talks, he still did not understand who would provide Ukraine with economic security guarantees after 2024, when the contract between Ukraine and Russia on gas transit to Europe expires.
Volodymyr Zelensky
President of UkraineWe discussed with Madam Chancellor the issue of extending the gas transit agreement through Ukraine's territory after 2024, but so far, I believe, these are very general things. I want to understand what Ukraine will receive and what our state may lose after the 2024 agreement expires, and who is providing concrete guarantees to Ukraine.
Zelensky also said that on August 23 a meeting of energy ministers from Ukraine, the US and Germany will take place, where more specifics on this issue may emerge.
He clarified that this could involve a shift toward green energy and Ukraine's “green” course, but all of this requires “large sums of money and a long time.”
Following the talks between Merkel and Zelensky, a memorandum was signed between NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine and the German energy company RWE (Rheinisch-Westfälisches Elektrizitätswerk) on cooperation in the hydrogen economy sector.
Before the memorandum was signed, Zelensky said that the issues of Nord Stream 2 and hydrogen production “should not be mixed, because they are different things.” “Hydrogen is about the future, while Nord Stream 2 poses a threat already today,” the president said.
Settling the conflict in eastern Ukraine
On restoring peace in Ukraine, Zelensky noted that Ukraine, Germany and France “must have a consolidated position on the peaceful settlement in Donbas.”
Volodymyr Zelensky
President of UkraineThe priority topic of our talks was the process of peaceful settlement in Donbas. It is important that Ukraine, Germany and France have a consolidated position on the peace settlement plan, which must be based on clusters.
He noted that Ukraine is seeking a regime of lasting and sustainable ceasefire, a prisoner exchange, the opening of checkpoints by the temporarily occupied territories, as well as access to the temporarily occupied territories for Red Cross representatives.
In conclusion, Zelensky stated that, as there is still no progress on preparing a Normandy Four summit, he expects continued pressure on Russia from Western partners.
Why Merkel will not attend the first Crimea Platform summit
The day after Merkel's official visit to Ukraine, the first summit of the “Crimea Platform” will take place, with many countries represented, including Germany.
However, Angela Merkel will not take part in person — Germany will be represented at the summit by German Minister of Economics and Energy Peter Altmaier. Earlier, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was supposed to attend the summit. Merkel explained his replacement by recent events in Afghanistan.
At the press conference, Merkel confirmed her commitment to the platform's goals but noted that she will not be able to take part in its opening.
Angela Merkel
Chancellor of GermanyI clearly said that we consider the annexation of Crimea a violation of international law. Nothing has changed here.
Merkel added that her visit to Ukraine is a farewell one as federal chancellor.
Gas as a weapon and sanctions against Russia
Merkel said that Germany will not allow Nord Stream 2 to be used as a weapon against Ukraine, and admitted the introduction of new sanctions against Russia if this really happens.
Angela Merkel
Chancellor of GermanyI spoke with the Russian president about this, that we want the swift extension of the agreement (on gas transit — ed.) that is valid until 2024. We are in solidarity with the American side that gas cannot be used as a weapon. We feel responsible, because there are great concerns, which I take seriously. Therefore we clearly said that within the EU we will advocate for subsequent sanctions if the suspicion that the pipeline will be used as a weapon is confirmed.
Revival of the navy
At the conference, Zelensky also said that Ukraine will “revive and strengthen” its navy.
Volodymyr Zelensky
President of UkraineThe development of our Ukrainian Black Sea Fleet is necessary for us in order to unblock the Black Sea and Azov regions. Therefore, it was decided at the level of our state, at the level of the National Security and Defense Council, to make the Ukrainian fleet as powerful as it was 30 years ago. A fleet thanks to which Russia would never have been able to illegally annex our Ukrainian peninsula.
He noted that on this issue Ukraine needs the consolidation of all its partners, and the state is working in this direction — earlier Ukraine received support on this issue from Great Britain, and on August 31 Zelensky will discuss this issue with US President Joe Biden.
Germany again refuses to supply weapons
Ukraine has asked Germany for weapons but has been refused. Zelensky said he still hopes for arms supplies from Germany and stressed that, within the framework of exercises, including jointly with NATO countries, both Europe and Germany support Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelensky
President of UkraineBut we need concrete, very concrete things. And we know in which areas Germany could support us. We really still count on this and expect it. This is a big and long conversation, and we have not yet talked about this topic. Probably, we will raise this issue over lunch.
Zelensky awards Merkel the Order of Freedom
After the conference, President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded Merkel a state award — the Order of Freedom “in gratitude for many years of support for Ukraine.”
Volodymyr Zelensky
President of UkraineIn September Germany will elect a new chancellor. Personally, I am convinced that Madam Merkel will remain an active participant in the political life of Germany and Europe. But know that in any case, in any status and at any time, you will always be a welcome guest in Ukraine. Thank you.
The Order of Freedom is Ukraine's highest order, which may be awarded to foreigners and stateless persons.
Not without a scandal involving Klitschko
Earlier in the day, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko came to the airport to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, but he was not allowed in.
Vitali Klitschko
Mayor of KyivAccording to protocol, as the mayor of the capital, I was supposed to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as was the case during her previous visits to Kyiv. But this time I was not let in. Yet this has never happened in my practice as mayor. So I am curious: did the “pro-European” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine decide to urgently violate protocol events? Did they get an order and get so nervous that they staged such a circus?!
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