Zelensky praises leadership strength of Germany’s Merz

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed gratitude for Germany’s support of his country and praised Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

“Friedrich demonstrates true leadership strength, and I greatly appreciate our coordination,” he wrote on Telegram on Thursday evening, referring to a phone call between the two.

Zelensky said that Germany has supported his country since the early days of the war. In particular, he noted that the deliveries of Patriot and IRIS-T air-defence systems are important for the protection of Ukrainian airspace.

He also wrote that the recent assistance in overcoming the energy crisis is important.

Ukraine has been defending itself for nearly four years with Western help against a full-scale invasion by Russia.

Germany is one of the most important partners of the embattled country.

Due to massive Russian air attacks, part of the energy supply in Ukraine has collapsed in recent weeks. In severe freezing temperatures, many Ukrainians are often without electricity for hours daily – and the heating systems in many homes are also cold.