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Zelensky meets German vice-chancellor in Kyiv to discuss air defense

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Zelensky meets German vice-chancellor in Kyiv to discuss air defense
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky meets Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck during the latter's visit to Kyiv on April 18, 2024. (President Volodymyr Zelensky/Telegram)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Germany's Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck during the latter's visit to Kyiv on April 18.

The president and Habeck, who is also Germany's economy and environment minister, discussed Ukraine's need for more air defenses.

As Kyiv continues to appeal to its partners for additional air defense systems to protect itself against Russian attacks, Berlin recently announced the delivery of an additional Patriot system.

Habeck arrived in Ukraine's capital together with Helmut Rauch, the head of Germany's Diehl Defense company that manufactures IRIS-T air defense systems.

In a comment for the German magazine Bild, Rauch said: "Three of our systems are already in Ukraine, and more will be delivered this year. The next one is just a few weeks away."

"I thank Germany and the German society for their very important assistance to Ukraine throughout the full-scale war," Zelensky said on his Telegram channel.

"We cannot overestimate the value of your decision to send a new Patriot system. Protecting the sky is our priority today."

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Martin Fornusek

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Martin Fornusek is a reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in international and regional politics, history, and disinformation. Based in Lviv, Martin often reports on international politics, with a focus on analyzing developments related to Ukraine and Russia. His career in journalism began in 2021 after graduating from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, earning a Master's degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies. Martin has been invited to speak on Times Radio, France 24, Czech Television, and Radio Free Europe. He speaks English, Czech, and Ukrainian.

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