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While Russia maintains roughly the same number of personnel on the battlefield as a year ago - 200,000 - they are no longer made up of professional soldiers and "reasonably modern vehicles", the UK Ministry of Defence said. Retreating brigades to the north and south of Bakhmut have been criticised by Wagner mercenaries positioned in the centre of the city, and defence expert Michael Clarke suggested Ukraine is probing how the Russian army reacts to counterattacks.īritish military intelligence has painted a bleak picture of the likely outcome for Moscow, assessing its forces as poorly trained and poorly equipped to defend a 900-mile front. More than 600 miles away from Berlin, the state of Russian forces on the frontline has been subject to much speculation over the last few days. The longer the war goes on, the more doubts could creep in, so visits by the world's most watched President showing he's grateful go a long way to shoring up lasting support. The majority are also against fast-tracking Ukraine's NATO membership according to a recent poll, while the cost of living crisis adds a financial concern.Īn Ipsos survey in January showed the share of Germans who believed the country could not afford to lend financial support to Ukraine due to the current economic crisis had risen 9 percentage points to 56 percent. While most back Ukraine, Germany's own history means many people fear escalating a conflict in Europe. The trip was also crucial in sustaining the support of the German public. In return, Olaf Scholz said the visit sent a "strong signal" and pledged to support Ukraine "for as long as it takes". Together we will win and bring peace back to Europe." In a guest book at the Presidency, he pushed this point home, writing, "In the most challenging time in the modern history of Ukraine, Germany proved to be our true friend and reliable ally. On his first visit since the Russian invasion, President Zelenskyy thanked the German government for its "fantastic solidarity".
Ultimately, while Ukraine may not agree with all of Germany's actions, it knows that it is a European powerhouse and an important partner to keep on side.
While President Steinmeier and Chancellor Scholz have both since been to Ukraine, Mr Zelenskyy's warm meeting with them on Sunday was as much about building bridges as it was about ensuring ongoing support. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was disinvited from Ukraine last year over his perceived past close relations with Russia a snub which annoyed Germany after it had provided financial support and taken in more than a million refugees. However, frustration over arms deliveries hasn't been the only bone of contention.Įven before Russia invaded, Kyiv was suspicious of Germany's reliance on Russian energy and pursuit of economic ties with Moscow under Angela Merkel.
It wasn't until January 2023, amid mounting pressure, that Germany finally agreed to allow Leopard 2 battle tanks to be sent.ĭespite the perceived slow start, it is now one of Ukraine's biggest financial and military supporters.
It's a staggering change in position for Berlin, which at the start of the war frustrated Ukraine with its hesitancy over sending weapons. The country's biggest military support package so far includes artillery, air defence, infantry fighting vehicles and 30 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks. On Saturday, the German government promised Kyiv further arms deliveries worth €2.7 billion. Security," he tweeted.Įven before he landed, some of these demands had already been met. When President Zelenskyy touched down in Germany, he arrived with a shopping list of goals.
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