Zelensky's bid for more aid, NATO support 'fell on deaf ears': Bild
3 Min Read
Zelensky has long sought German Taurus missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers and could strike deep within Russian territory.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky leaves at the end of a private meeting with Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Friday, October 11, 2024. (AP)
German tabloid Bild reported on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent trip across Europe to secure military aid and NATO support has largely been unsuccessful.
According to the report, Zelensky's primary objectives during his meetings with Western leaders were obtaining German long-range Taurus missiles and fast-tracking Ukraine's NATO accession process.
However, both requests appear to have been met with little progress.
Сьогодні вже третя наша зустріч із канцлером Німеччини Олафом Шольцом за цю осінь і, мабуть, одна з найважливіших за весь час повномасштабної війни. Зараз ми представляємо нашим ключовим друзям нашу стратегію наближення миру для України – це план абсолютно чітких і реалістичних… pic.twitter.com/RnFsStu1JV
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 11, 2024
During a key meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Zelensky's appeals "fell on deaf ears," according to Bild, which described the outcome of the discussions as "pretty poor."
While Scholz did not definitively reject Zelensky's requests, the chancellor avoided committing to providing long-range missiles or pushing Ukraine's NATO membership forward, leaving the Ukrainian leader without clear assurances.
Zelensky has long sought German Taurus missiles, which have a range of up to 500 kilometers and could strike deep within Russian territory.
However, Scholz has resisted these calls, citing concerns over escalation and suggesting that such deliveries would only be "tenable" if Germany could control the use of the missiles—an action that would involve Berlin directly in the conflict.
Read more: Use of Taurus missiles means 'declaring of war' on Russia: Wagenknecht
In another blow to Zelensky's diplomatic efforts, the Ukrainian president was unable to secure a meeting with US President Joe Biden, who remained in the US to monitor the response to Hurricane Milton in Florida.
An unnamed Ukrainian official quoted by Bild dismissed the hurricane as an "excuse," suggesting that Biden may have sought to avoid discussing the conflict as the US election season heats up.
Zelensky rejects territorial concessions as West mulls settlement
Recent reports suggest that the West is considering a possible settlement that would grant Russia de facto control over the recently acquired regions.
In response to these reports, Zelensky reaffirmed a week ago that Ukraine will not cede any territory to Russia.
Any peace must uphold Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Zelensky said. He also discussed his 'victory plan,' which includes NATO-like security guarantees, advanced weaponry, and international financial aid.
However, skepticism remains among some Western officials, who view the plan as mostly reiterating existing demands, including Russian troop withdrawal from territories Russia has annexed.
