German chancellor vows continued support for Ukraine

BERLIN

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday reaffirmed Germany's "continued support for Ukraine" in what he described as "Russia’s brutal war of aggression."

“I assure you that we will not leave Ukraine alone and will continue to support Ukraine like no one else in Europe — and that we will continue to keep a cool head so that the war does not spread,” Scholz said in a New Year’s video message to the nation.

Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election has drawn attention to the future of military and financial support to Ukraine.

After the US, Germany is the second-largest supporter of Ukraine, providing weapons and other forms of aid.

Last week, it announced an extensive new arms package for Ukraine, which is now well into its third year of conflict.

Germany has a new election scheduled for Feb. 23. Key issues include immigration, the economy, and continued support for Ukraine.