Germany has come a long way in its eleven weeks of war.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently stated that all Western Balkan countries should join the EU. However, he did not mention Ukraine. “We already have a good tradition of cooperation with Germany. And we understand that any proposal first provokes a negative reaction in Berlin, and then negotiations begin “, – In an interview with ZN.UA, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Olga Stefanishina answered the question whether Germany will agree to grant Ukraine candidate status?
She does not believe that the story with President Steinmeier and Chancellor Scholz will influence Germany's decision to grant Ukraine candidate status.
“After all, Germany has come a long way in its eleven weeks of war. And we must move away from that constant complex of inferiority and fears that someone will take offense at us or not want to talk to us: today we are a full-fledged player in great European and world politics. Unfortunately, today we have a full-scale war with Russia. But this war has created some clarity – both about Ukraine's aspirations and its role, “Stefanishina said.
She says that the Ukrainian government is convinced that now is a period of opportunity for Germany, when it can get rid of the burden of its past, a complex of guilt solely before the Russian people for World War II.
“I note that not before the peoples of the USSR, but for some reason before the Russian people. Now the representatives of Old Europe can lay the foundations for building a New Europe, a new economic and security architecture. We want to support this opportunity for Germany, we are ready to promote it. And if sometimes it leads to misunderstandings and controversial situations, it is part of politics, part of the process, “she said.
Read also: On the anniversary of the end of World War II, Scholz promised further support to Ukraine
Earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that does not plan a visit to Ukraine in the near future < and considers it wrong for Kyiv to refuse to receive President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. He stated this in an interview with the public broadcaster ZDF.
Commenting on a possible visit to Ukraine, he mentioned the refusal of the administration of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to approve German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and said that it “hinders the case.”
However, after conciliatory telephone conversation between Zelensky and Steinmeier The President of the Bundestag Berbel Bass visited Kyiv on May 8, honoring the memory of all the victims of the Second World War and the tyranny of the National Socialists and held political talks.
Read also: Steinmeier wants to talk to Zelensky personally
Read more in an interview with Vladimir Kravchenko with Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishina on Ukraine's chances to get EU candidate status in June and EU assistance in rebuilding the country “Decision to grant Ukraine candidate status is the EU's best investment in the stability of the region “ .
See special topic: “Putin leaves us no choice”: Scholz on arms supplies to Ukraine Refusing to oppose Russia will mean strengthening it, German Chancellor said. The whole territory of Irpen is superficially cultivated by sappers – the mayor Markushin called on the local population to be careful. Russia builds air defense and fire damage system in South Buz and Tavria The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine stated that Russia can use this technique to attack the Kherson region. Russian invasion of Ukraine: map of hostilities as of May 9 Russian occupation forces are trying to break through the defense of the Armed Forces in Donbas. Russian troops in the Kharkiv region are redeploying from Borova in the direction of Kupyansk – village council At the same time catching poultry from locals and taking away food.
