The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, confirmed in Aachen, in the presence of the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, that Ukraine is “part of the European family”.
“The war has made people across Europe aware of one thing: Ukraine is part of our European family,” said Scholz, presenting Zelensky with the International Charlemagne Prize, which he and the people of Ukraine received.
“Russian war of aggression has brought the European Union and Ukraine closer than ever,” the German leader added.
According to the organizers, the award recognizes that his opposition to the Russian invasion is a defense “not only of the sovereignty of his country and the lives of its citizens, but also of Europe and European values”.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who attended the ceremony, referred to Zelensky and the Ukrainian people as “fighting for the values and commitments that this award represents”.
“By doing this, you are also fighting for our own freedom and our values. Democracy and the rule of law, freedom of expression and the freedom to create your own destiny,” he added.
After official talks in Berlin, Zelensky and Scholz traveled together to Aachen in West Germany for the award ceremony.
While German leaders have expressed strong support for Ukraine, German voters are divided over whether the country should provide more weapons, especially advanced fighter jets of the sort Kiev is asking its allies.
The EU granted Kyiv official candidate status in June 2022, but is demanding further reforms, particularly in the fight against corruption.
Brussels estimates that EU membership negotiations will take between six and ten years from the start, while Kiev is aiming for faster integration.
Source: DN
