Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference with the leader of the German opposition bloc Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) Friedrich Merz, Ukrinform reported, quoted by BTA, citing a statement from the presidency.
"The head of state thanked Germany for its assistance to Ukraine since the Russian full-scale invasion and for its leading role in strengthening Ukraine's air defense", the communiqué reads-
The main topic of the meeting was assistance to Ukraine and the importance of the unity of European countries in this regard. Zelensky stressed that only a just end to the war and reliable security guarantees should be the primary goal of all Ukrainian allies.
Zelensky and Merz, who, based on opinion polls, is considered the favorite to become the new Chancellor of Germany after the elections, which are due on February 23, also had talks about specific military assistance to Ukraine and investments in Ukrainian arms production, Ukrinform noted.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Szybiga met late last night with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Ukrinform reported, quoted by BTA.
The meeting in Munich was also attended by the chief of staff of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky - Andriy Yermak, Reuters reported.
Ukraine hopes for the support of China - the future rotating chairman of the UN Security Council. Kiev plans to propose convening a meeting of the body and issuing a resolution on the occasion of the upcoming third anniversary of the start of Russia's war in the neighboring country, which began on February 24, 2022, Ukrinform noted.
Sybiga confirmed Ukraine's position, according to which a just peace should be achieved, for the benefit of all parties involved.
"We have stated clearly and firmly Ukraine's position - nothing related to Ukraine (should be achieved) without Ukraine's participation. It is important for us that China plays a strategic role in this process, especially considering that it assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council this month. Ukraine will initiate a special session of the Security Council dedicated to the third anniversary of the start of the brutal Russian aggression. In addition, we will propose a UN resolution," the foreign minister said.
During the meeting, the Ukrainian delegation briefed the Chinese representatives on the recent Russian drone attack on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, emphasizing the existence of a nuclear threat with global dimensions. Szybiga stressed that China's role in ensuring global nuclear safety is key, and Kiev expects Beijing's support on this issue.
The minister described his meeting with Wang Yi as "extremely productive and important". Ukraine expressed gratitude to China for its firm support for preserving its territorial integrity.
""China remains our largest trading partner," the minister said, adding that Beijing is "directly interested" from the restoration of free navigation in the Black Sea