Defense chief Reznikov discusses with Germany’s finance minister provision of air defense capabilities, ammo

This was reported by the Defense Ministry’s press service, Ukrinform saw.

"At the meeting, the high-ranking guest was briefed on the current security situation in Ukraine, as well as trends toward its development in the short and medium term," the report reads.

In addition, the Ukrainian side emphasized the importance of support by German allies in efforts to repel Russian aggression, including through further providing material and technical assistance.

"Your country has become a leader in the tank coalition, which we appreciate a lot," Reznikov emphasized.

According to the defense chief, he remembers very well how the parties started that discussion. "My counterpart, German Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht, said in Odesa: "Oleksii, this is impossible!"

"But now we have tanks: Leopard-1s, Leopard-2s, we have a tank coalition. Portugal, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden stand with us. Western tanks for Ukraine are an ‘iron fist’ for the liberation of our occupied territories," the head of the defense department emphasized.

"Among the priority prospective directions was the acquisition of air defense capabilities, ammunition of various calibers, as well as various types of armored vehicles," the Ministry of Defense noted.

The minister emphasized, among other things, the need for armored medical vehicles for the rapid evacuation of wounded soldiers to military hospitals within the so-called "golden hour", which is of crucial importance for saving lives.

In turn, Germany’s Federal Minister of Finance reaffirmed his unquestionable support for the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine and expressed readiness to continue further practical cooperation on a wide range of issues.

According to Lindner, "we have already created an effective system of our fruitful cooperation. And after the war, we will have a good opportunity to significantly expand the range of joint projects at a practical level. Our cooperation during the war is a good confirmation of our shared values. I am impressed by the efforts made by the leadership of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense, in particular in the implementation of reforms, as well as the courage Ukrainians show in defending their country."

"Your example inspires us because it demonstrates that society can develop in difficult conditions of armed struggle of repelling Russia’s unprovoked aggression," the German finance minister concluded.

Representatives of the German delegation, together with Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration Andrii Shevchenko, saw the exhibit of obliterated Russian tanks and armored vehicles in Kyiv’s Mykhailivska Square and honored the memory of fallen Ukrainian soldiers.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with German Finance Minister Christian Lindner on August 14. The parties discussed prospects of investment cooperation for the reconstruction of Ukraine.