The German government’s expectation that Ukraine will vigorously continue the fight against corruption and reforms, especially in the area of the rule of law, was reiterated by the chancellor during the telephone conversation he had earlier today with the president of Ukraine.
President Zelensky briefed the chancellor on corruption investigations against members of his government, who have since resigned, “committing to full transparency, long-term support to independent anti-corruption agencies and further immediate measures to regain the trust of the Ukrainian people, European partners and international donors,” the chancellor’s statement said.
Volodymyr Zelensky also thanked Friedrich Merz for Germany’s support, especially for air defense and the protection of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The two leaders agreed to “continue efforts for a ceasefire and lasting peace in close coordination with European and transatlantic partners” and Germany, along with its Western partners, “to increase pressure on Moscow for Russia to start serious negotiations.” This also includes continuing work on a more efficient use of Russia’s “frozen” state assets, the chancellery clarifies.
The German Chancellor and the Ukrainian President also discussed the issue of Ukrainian refugees. “President Zelensky will address the issue of the growing number of young Ukrainian men leaving for the European Union,” government spokesman Stefan Cornelius noted. A few days ago the governing coalition decided that from now on Ukrainians in Germany will be treated without a special status, but as asylum seekers, a status which entails much more limited earnings. The decision was made in order for more Ukrainians to decide to work.
