During a working visit to Germany, the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal held a meeting with the Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz. The parties discussed a number of issues to support Ukraine and strengthen the security of the whole of Europe.

The Head of the Ukrainian Government thanked Germany for its leadership in financial assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war. According to Denys Shmygal, Ukraine counts on support from partners in 2023 as well.

"The deficit of the Ukrainian budget may decrease in 2023, but the help of allies will remain an extremely important source of financing this deficit. Therefore, it is critical for us to agree on a new macro-financial assitance program with the EU for next year, as well as on the start of a new major program with the IMF," the Prime Minister of Ukraine emphasized.

During the meeting, the interlocutors also tackled the issue of additional supplies of weapons to Ukraine.

"We have a common vision of the need to increase the supply of artillery systems and air defense systems. First of all, increase the types of heavy weapons that have already been delivered or will be delivered in the near future: MLRS MARS-2, Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers, IRIS-T Air Defense Systems and Gepard anti-aircraft guns. Moreover, we talked about possible deliveries of new products, in particular German tanks," the Prime Minister noted.

Denys Shmyhal also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in the field of energy. In particular, Ukraine and Germany engage in negotiations on the organization of an EU and UN mission to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in order to achieve its complete demilitarization. This will contribute to Europe's energy security and energy independence.

For his part, Olaf Scholz assured that Germany would support Ukraine as long as it would be needed both in terms of military and financial assistance.