Ukraine signs 'historic' security treaty with Germany

Ukrainian President Zelensky signed a security agreement with Germany in Berlin, hailed by Chancellor Scholz as a "historic step".

Under the security pact signed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 16, Germany will provide military support to Ukraine for 10 years and contain Russia with sanctions and export controls, ensuring that Russian assets remain frozen.

Berlin has also prepared an immediate aid package worth $1.22 billion, focusing on air defense and artillery.

Chancellor Scholz called the signing of the agreement "a historic step". "It makes it clear that Germany will continue to support Ukraine in defending it against the Russian campaign," he said. "And if Russia takes another aggressive action in the future, we agree to continue to provide detailed diplomatic , economic and military support."

President Zelensky said the aid was important because military supplies from other partners had decreased while Russia had an advantage in frontline artillery.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (right) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attend a joint press conference in Berlin on February 16. Photo: AFP

President Zelensky is also set to sign a similar deal with France next week, as he seeks to boost support for Ukraine's military, which is struggling to contain Russian attacks on the frontline city of Avdeevka.

As the Ukraine conflict nears its third year, President Zelensky will make a fresh appeal to Western allies for financial and arms support for Kiev at the Muchich Security Conference, taking place on February 16-18.

President Zelensky's European tour comes at a crucial time as Ukraine faces growing pressure on the eastern frontline due to ammunition shortages and renewed attacks from Russia.

A $60 billion military aid package has been stalled in Washington since last year amid congressional wrangling. The European Union (EU) has also admitted that it can only produce 50 percent of the one million artillery shells it promised to send in March this year.

Vu Hoang (According to AFP, Reuters )

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