Zelensky, Scholz discuss strengthening Ukraine’s defense

This handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on May 14, 2023, shows German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (center) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) visiting a military base in Aachen, western Germany, where Ukrainian servicemen are being trained. (HANDOUT / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP)

KIEV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday, and the two discussed the further strengthening of Ukraine's defense capabilities.

The issue of boosting Ukraine's air defense was mentioned during the talks, Zelensky tweeted, describing the conversation as "substantive."

Zelensky said that he thanked Scholz for implementing a defense package for Ukraine worth 3 billion euros (about $3.22 billion).

They also discussed the implementation of the agreements reached during Zelensky's recent visit to Germany and coordinated their positions on the eve of upcoming international events.

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On May 14, Zelensky visited Germany. Before the visit, the German government announced that it would provide more than 2.7 billion euros (about $2.9 billion) in military aid for Ukraine.