Zelensky is back in Kyiv after European tour: This is what he brought with him

Ukrainian President Zelensky has gathered further support in the war against Russia during his trip to Europe. Ukraine is getting these weapons.

Kyiv – "Ammunition, stronger weapons for the front, more protection for our people, more political support": Volodymyr Zelensky was satisfied after his trip to Europe and his return to Kyiv. The Ukrainian president has been promised further arms deliveries. Germany alone is putting together a package worth 2.7 billion euros.

Zelenskyy visited Italy, Germany, France and the UK from Saturday (13 May) to Monday (15 May). However, in the meetings with heads of state and government of the countries, he received not only promises about arms supplies. There is now more support for Ukraine's accession to the EU, Zelenskyy said in a video address on Monday. "There is more understanding for joining NATO, it will come, it is inevitable."

What arms deliveries Scholz promises Ukraine during Zelensky's visit

"We will support you for as long as it will be necessary, and we will not let up in our support," Olaf Scholz said during Zelensky's first visit to Germany since the start of the Ukraine war. Scholz also announced the aid package worth 2.7 billion euros. Germany's arms supplies to Ukraine include the following points:

• 30 Main Battle Tanks Leopard 1 A5
• 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles
• 18 wheeled howitzers
• 4 Iris-T air defense systems
• 200 reconnaissance drones
• 100 armored combat vehicles
• Artillery ammunition

Zelensky described the package as "very important and strong help for his country" and thanked them for their support. "The volume of German aid is the second largest after the United States," the Ukrainian president said during his visit to Berlin on Sunday.

Side by side: At the meeting with German Chancellor Scholz, Zelensky describes Germany's arms deliveries to Ukraine as "strong help for his country". © Christoph Soeder/dpa

France wants to support Ukraine in the war with armored vehicles and training of soldiers

After his stops in Berlin and at the Charlemagne Prize ceremony in Aachen, Zelensky visited the French capital Paris, where he met President Emmanuel Macron. He also pledged renewed support. France's focus is on training soldiers and upgrading existing weapons.

In addition to training soldiers and pilots, as well as helping to repair vehicles and guns. In addition, several battalions are to be equipped with dozens of armored vehicles and light tanks, the US newspaper Washington Post reported.

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Like Germany, France is reluctant to respond to Zelensky's call for fighter jets for Ukraine. It is still far too early for this, as the Ukrainian pilots are not trained in the use of French systems. However, France does not want to rule out the delivery of aircraft.

Britain assures Zelensky of anti-aircraft missiles and drones during European trip

At the end of his trip to Europe, Zelensky visited Great Britain. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also announced that he would train Ukrainian pilots on various types of aircraft. Zelenskyy emphasized this commitment in his evening address on Monday. According to the Washington Post, he also stated his intention to form a coalition of countries that are ready to train Ukrainian pilots with "modern Western aircraft".

Britain is also supplying new weapons. In addition to the "Storm Shadow" cruise missiles announced by the British Defense Secretary last week, the country is sending anti-aircraft missiles and long-range attack drones to Ukraine.

Despite the lack of arms deliveries: Zelensky speaks of "good talks" during visit to Italy

The first stop on Zelensky's European tour, even before his visit to Germany, was Italy. On Saturday, the Ukrainian president exchanged views with his counterpart Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. However, the Italian head of government did not announce any new arms deliveries.

After the meeting with Meloni, Zelensky nevertheless spoke of a "good conversation". He also thanked Italy for its "help in protecting the life of our people". Meloni had pledged support for Ukraine after the start of the Russian attack. However, their government is divided on this issue. Domestic political considerations may have prevented them from announcing new aid to Ukraine, Camille Grand, a defense and security policy expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations think tank, told The Washington Post.

New arms shipments boost Ukraine's morale

The new Western support from the West is also significant for Ukraine's morale and resilience in the fight against Russia. "It was important that Zelenskyy came back with the message that European support is there and will continue to grow both in scope and quality," Grand told The Washington Post.

In addition to Germany, Italy, France and Great Britain, the eastern NATO states play a key role in supporting Ukraine. (ms)