Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on the eve of the special European Council in Brussels. "For almost a year," Scholz said, "Ukraine has been engaged in a heroic defensive struggle against Russia's brutal war of aggression.” He also pointed out that the war had been directed against the civilian population from the very outset and that civilian infrastructure had increasingly been targeted for months. According to the Federal Chancellor, the courage and perseverance displayed by the Ukrainians for over 11 months in resisting Russian aggression deserved the highest recognition and respect. 

"A symbol of European solidarity and community"

Both Europe and its transatlantic partners, he said, stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and are providing the country with massive support in the form of financial and humanitarian aid as well as weapons. Scholz stressed the fact that Putin's invasion of Ukraine and its ramifications will also be at the top of the agenda at the special European Council meeting, which begins tomorrow. "The fact that President Zelensky will be attending this year's first meeting of EU leaders in person sends a strong message,” said the Federal Chancellor, describing it as “A symbol of European solidarity and community.” Zelensky, Scholz explained, will be sending a very clear message in Brussels: “Ukraine is part of the European family.”