On Monday, February 14, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Olaf Scholz, who is on a working visit to Ukraine, held a briefing in Kyiv.
As Russia-Ukraine tensions rise, the main topics of negotiations included security challenges and the peace process, as the future of European security architecture is largely reliant on stability in Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelensky
"Without Ukraine, it is impossible to create an effective security architecture in Europe."
"Escalation on the border with Ukraine is a threat to the whole world."
"Ukraine's security is Europe's security."
"We have no signal that NATO membership is irrelevant for us."
"I have no answer on what kind of sanctions will be imposed in case of escalation”
During the discussion of Nord Stream 2, Volodymyr Zelensky invited Germany to start a dialogue on financial compensation to Ukraine from its launch.
"We consider Nord Stream 2 as a geopolitical weapon of the Russian Federation."
"I hope that the Normandy Four leaders' summit will be held soon."
The Head of Ukraine said that during the conversation, he raised the issue of weaponry supplies to Ukraine from Germany.
In addition, Zelensky commented on the departure of large businessmen from Ukraine:"The state cannot influence business."
Olaf Scholz
"Germany stands side by side with Ukraine, we are surprised by the democratic transformations in the country."
"We see no reason for capacity-building on the part of the Russian Federation, this was the central topic of our negotiations today."
"The President (Zelensky - ed.) assured me that he would provide a bill on the "special status" of Donbas for discussion."
"Ukraine's membership in the alliance cannot be up for discussion with the Russian Federation, the issue is not on the agenda."
"If Russia violates Ukraine's territorial integrity again, we are ready for serious sanctions."
"We are working hard on a package of sanctions. We were negotiating with Russia, we said that it would be so (they will impose sanctions in case of a new attack - ed.). There is no doubt that we know what to do. We are prepared and determined."
Olaf Scholz said that Germany and Ukraine have different views on Nord Stream 2. The German Chancellor adhered to the position that the Russian gas pipeline would work.
The Federal Chancellor also announced financial assistance to Ukraine in the amount of 150 million euros.
Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.