IRIA News

7 minute read

In a bid to bolster international support amid the ongoing war with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the UK, France, Italy, and Germany, on his tour across Europe. Zelenskyy aims to secure military and financial backing as Ukraine faces continued pressure on the battlefield.

The tour comes at a crucial time as Ukraine grapples with the economic and military strain caused by the prolonged conflict. However, a key meeting originally planned in Germany had to be canceled due to the disruption of U.S. President Joe Biden’s schedule.

Zelenskyy’s European trip began with a visit to London, where he met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss Ukraine’s “victory plan,” a comprehensive strategy aimed at ending the war with Russia. The plan focuses on increasing military supplies and securing security guarantees from Western allies to help Ukraine win the war and prepare for its future post-conflict.

Starmer welcomed the meeting, stating, “It’s an important opportunity to go through the plan, to talk in more detail.” The UK has been one of Ukraine’s most steadfast allies since the beginning of the conflict, providing significant military aid, including a commitment to deliver $3.9 billion annually for as long as it takes to secure Ukraine’s victory.

Zelenskyy’s strategy also includes the use of long-range missiles supplied by allies, such as British-provided Storm Shadow missiles, which Ukraine hopes to deploy against Russian military targets deep inside the country. While the UK has shown support for Ukraine’s military efforts, the United States has been more cautious, expressing concerns that such strikes could escalate the war.

Meetings with French, Italian, and German leadership

Following his visit to London, Zelenskyy traveled to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and to Rome for a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Zelenskyy also met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday morning, before heading to Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

During his European tour on October 10, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss Ukraine’s Victory Plan and key support initiatives.

Zelenskyy expressed deep gratitude to Macron, stating, “First of all, I want to thank the French people and France for supporting us from the very beginning of the full-scale war. Thank you, Emmanuel. You are a very strong friend of our people.”

Zelenskyy shared the Victory Plan, emphasizing battlefield updates and the need for support ahead of winter. He thanked Macron for military aid, including the training of Ukrainian soldiers, pilots, and the supply of Mirage 2000 jets. Both leaders discussed the Peace Formula, weapon co-production in Ukraine, and the return of Ukrainian children deported by Russia. Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security.

In France, I personally presented the Victory Plan to President @EmmanuelMacron and had a detailed discussion on its key points and our strategy. I am grateful for the productive conversation and all the questions that helped us form a common vision on how to bring peace closer.… pic.twitter.com/Wdirv3qlZB

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 10, 2024

In Italy, Zelenskyy and Meloni reviewed the Victory Plan and focused on strengthening Ukraine’s military and diplomatic ties. Zelenskyy thanked Meloni for Italy’s air defense systems and discussed a new security package. “The key is to strengthen Ukraine’s positions and relations with our closest partners,” he said. They also discussed the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference, set for July 2025.

Zelenskyy’s European tour is a vital diplomatic mission to keep international support for Ukraine alive as the war enters its third year. The cancellation of the German summit, caused by Biden’s change in plans, serves as a reminder of the fragile and unpredictable nature of international diplomacy during times of crisis. With aid from the U.S. uncertain and economic pressures mounting, Zelenskyy faces an uphill battle to maintain the support needed to secure a decisive victory on the battlefield.

The Ukrainian president arrived in Berlin on October 11, to meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. While in Germany, Zelenskyy said, “We are now presenting our key friends with our strategy for bringing peace to Ukraine—a plan of absolutely clear and realistic steps that can push the whole situation towards real peace.”

Zelenskyy also thanked the German leadership for their support and said, “I am grateful for all the assistance Germany has provided to Ukraine—air defense, significant defense and economic aid, our political cooperation, support for the Peace Formula, and joint efforts for the effectiveness of Peace Summits. It is very important for us that next year’s aid does not decrease — that it is sufficient to protect people and life.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a €1.4 billion ($ 1.53 billion) military aid package for Ukraine by the end of 2024. Scholz highlighted in a statement, “Germany is the strongest military supporter of Ukraine in Europe. It will stay that way. I can assure you of that.”

Biden’s trip postponed

As the last stop for his trip to Europe, Zelensky arrived in Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, seeking military and financial aid. He aims to push Germany for more weapons, including long-range missiles. However, has previously Scholz rejected sending Taurus missiles, fearing escalation with Russia.

One of the key moments in Zelenskyy’s European tour was supposed to be a high-level meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany, where Zelenskyy had been scheduled to present his victory plan in greater detail.

This meeting, however, was abruptly canceled due to U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to focus on domestic issues, specifically Hurricane Milton, which has been causing significant damage in parts of the U.S.

The cancellation of Biden’s trip led to the postponement of the German summit, highlighting the importance of the U.S.’s role in international efforts to support Kyiv. Zelenskyy hoped to use the summit in Germany as a platform to secure further commitments from Western allies and appeal for continued military and financial aid.

This delay is a significant blow to Ukraine, as the United States remains the largest aid provider. However, with the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November, the future of this support remains uncertain. According to the Kiel Institute, if Republican candidate Donald Trump wins the election, Western aid to Ukraine could be reduced by half, falling to approximately $31 billion in 2025.

Ukraine’s economic crisis

As the war drags on, Ukraine’s economy continues to suffer. This week, Ukraine’s parliament approved its first major wartime tax increases to help raise the estimated $12 billion needed by the end of 2024 to cover defense spending. The parliament passed the bill with 247 out of 450 deputies voting in favor.

The new tax law introduces several measures, including raising the war tax from 1.5% to 5% for residents, increasing taxes on small businesses and individual entrepreneurs, and imposing a 50% tax on bank profits. Financial companies will also face a 25% tax on their profits. These measures underscore the financial strain Ukraine is under as it continues to fight on multiple fronts while trying to maintain public services and defense expenditures.