Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Berlin and Paris today, Friday, to sign bilateral security agreements and seek increased military support for his forces.
This tour will also take Zelensky to the 60th Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of the geopolitical elite in southern Germany.
In Berlin, Chancellor Olaf Scholz will welcome Zelensky before noon. Following the signing of the "Security Commitments and Long-Term Support" agreement for Ukraine, a press conference will be held. Zelensky is then expected to proceed to Paris for a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron.
The Elysée Palace stated that the bilateral partnership agreement covers "long-term military support for Ukraine, economic support, and civil assistance to enhance Ukraine's resilience."
During the last NATO summit in Vilnius in July 2023, the alliance members disappointed Kyiv by not setting a timeline for its membership. However, the G7 powers committed to providing long-term military support to Kyiv through security agreements.
The UK was the first to conclude such an agreement during Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's visit to Kyiv on January 12. Kyiv has been awaiting the approval of crucial aid worth $60 billion decided by the Biden administration, who is campaigning for a second term.
However, the Republican opposition, influenced by former President Donald Trump, has obstructed it.