Leaders of the European Union’s three largest countries, Germany, France and Italy, are expected in Kyiv on Thursday to show their support for Ukraine as it struggles to withstand a relentless Russian onslaught.
The visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi took weeks to organize, with the three men seeking to overcome criticism within Ukraine on their response to the war.
The planned trip, which has not been announced for security reasons, comes a day before the European Commission is due to make a recommendation on Ukraine’s status as an EU candidate, which major European nations have been lukewarm.
Speaking in Romania on Wednesday, Macron said it was time for Europe to reassure Ukraine of its European ambitions.
“We are at a time when we Europeans must send clear political signals to Ukraine and its people as they resist heroically,” he said, without giving details.
Kyiv criticized France, Germany and, to a lesser extent, Italy, for allegedly dragging its feet in supporting Ukraine, accusing them of being slow to deliver weapons and putting their own prosperity ahead of the freedom and security of the country. ‘Ukraine.
Oleksiy Arestovych, adviser to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskytold German newspaper Bild this week that he feared the three leaders would pressure Kyiv to accept a peace deal favorable to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“They will say that we have to end the war which is causing food and economic problems … that we have to save face for Mr. Putin,” he said, referring to Macron’s comments this month. that it was vital not to humiliate the Russian leader.
Responding to the concern, Draghi said on Tuesday it was important that peace talks begin as soon as possible, but added that they must be “on terms that Ukraine deems acceptable”.
Zelenskiy is expected to urge his visitors to send more weapons to help his beleaguered army resist the Russian invaders.
Ukraine has been particularly critical of Germany’s military aid and the country’s ambassador to Berlin, Andrij Melnyk, told German broadcaster NTV he expected Scholz hands over heavy weapons. which had long been promised but not yet delivered.
Scholz dismissed allegations that he withheld much-needed military support, saying he was one of Ukraine’s biggest military and financial backers and needed time to train Ukrainian soldiers to use the sophisticated artillery systems it offered.
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