The leaders of the Weimar Triangle countries convened in the German capital to address the ongoing war in Ukraine and affirm their unwavering support, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, voiced a unified stance on the continent's security concerns.
The Weimar Triangle is an intergovernmental alliance of Poland, France and Germany, formed in 1991 to promote cross-border cooperation in the wake of the fall of communism. Its relevance as a regional power hub has grown significantly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Plan to boost military support for Ukraine
Germany's Scholz announced plans to intensify military support for Ukraine, including purchasing more weapons on the global market, expanding military equipment production in collaboration with Ukraine, and establishing a new coalition within the Ramstein format for long-range artillery capabilities.
The Ramstein format, or the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, is an alliance of all 32 NATO member states and 24 other countries, formed to provide Ukraine with military materiel.
'Aid for Ukraine must be immediate': Polish PM
Poland's Tusk said: "Today, we spoke with one voice, primarily about the security issues of our continent, our countries, and of course, all of this in the context of the war.
He added: "We share the same view when it comes to assessing who bears full responsibility for the escalation of tension, who bears full responsibility for the tragic events in Ukraine, who is the aggressor, and who deserves our unconditional support."
Tusk told reporters: "We recognized that aid for Ukraine must be immediate and as concerted as possible. We want to spend our money, we want to help in every possible way, here and now, so that the situation in Ukraine improves in the coming weeks and months, rather than deteriorates."
The leaders' discussions in Berlin also touched upon transatlantic relations, with Tusk sharing insights from his recent visit to Washington.
Emphasizing a shared responsibility for Europe's future and security, Tusk highlighted the importance of a strong, united Europe as a desirable partner for the world, including the United States, the PAP news agency reported.
Scholz further detailed plans to bolster Ukraine's support, mentioning a significant decision in Brussels to allocate EUR 5 billion from the European Peace Facility for military support in 2024.
Additionally, he proposed using frozen Russian assets in Europe to finance weapon purchases for Ukraine, illustrating the comprehensive approach the Weimar Triangle nations are taking to support Ukraine financially and militarily.
France's Macron reaffirmed the trio's dedication to supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people "as long as it takes" to prevent a Russian victory.
He stressed the importance of solidarity with Ukraine and the collective resolve to oppose Russia's war of aggression.
These measures demonstrate the three countries' commitment to aiding Ukraine in its defense against Russia, ensuring the nation's ability to safeguard its sovereignty effectively.
The meeting concluded with Tusk announcing that Scholz and Macron had accepted an invitation to visit Poland in early summer, signaling continued collaboration and planning within the Weimar Triangle.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP