Berlin – Germany promises support for Ukraine ahead of winter

BERLIN, September 29 /ATSH-DPA/ – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said today that he would do everything possible to help Ukraine get through the coming winter, as European leaders discuss further financial and military support for Ukraine.

“Ahead of a European Council meeting expected to be held in mid-October, discussions are under way on how aid to Ukraine can be increased,” Merz said during a meeting in Berlin with the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Merz said the EU discussions would also consider concrete support for Ukraine’s budget, as well as improvements to the country’s air defence.

According to him, air defence is currently one of the biggest challenges Ukraine faces.

Merz also said he is holding direct talks with several world leaders, aiming to secure the equipment and systems Ukraine needs for its air defence.

The German Chancellor repeated his call for Russia to end the war and enter serious negotiations, in which, he said, European countries should also be included.

Kazakh president calls for a temporary halt to fighting

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said he supports a temporary halt to military operations on Ukrainian territory, in order to create the conditions for diplomacy and negotiations.

Tokayev made no direct criticism of Russia or Ukraine, saying both countries are friends of Kazakhstan.

In his statement, Tokayev also praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I know him very well. And he has the qualities needed to be the head of a very large state, with a very complicated history and its own way of understanding the strategic objectives that country faces,” Tokayev said of Putin.