Zelensky in Berlin; Ukraine readies offensive

UKRAINE’S President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks Sunday with his German counterpart at the start of his first visit to Germany since Russia’s invasion, with Berlin offering emphatic support in the form of a huge new military package. “Already in Berlin,” Zelensky wrote on Twitter. “Weapons. Powerful package. Air defense. Reconstruction. EU. NATO. Security.”

Zelensky’s trip comes as Kyiv is preparing a much- anticipated counter- offensive and follows a day of meetings in Rome with Italian leaders and Pope Ukrainian Francis. forces have been training a new contingent of forces and stockpiling Western-supplied munitions and hardware that analysts say will be key to reclaiming territory captured by Russia.

Once accused of reticence in supplying military gear to Ukraine, Germany has since become a major contributor of tanks, rockets and anti- missile systems.

Zelensky was greeted by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Bellevue Palace where he signed the guestbook before the pair headed into talks.

The Ukrainian leader’s schedule for Germany has not yet been officially confirmed but he is expected to meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz later Sunday.

He may also head to the western German city of Aachen, which this year is awarding him and the Ukrainian people the Charlemagne prize – an honor awarded for efforts to foster European unity.

Bild daily said Zelensky’s flight to Aachen on a German government plane would be secured by the air force.

Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki are due to attend the ceremony in Aachen.