German chancellor, Ukrainian president discuss military, humanitarian issues

By Faruk Zorlu

ANKARA (AA) – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the military, humanitarian and economic situation in war-torn Ukraine over the phone, a German government spokesman said on Wednesday.

The leaders also exchanged views on the possibilities for further concrete support, including reconstruction, Steffen Hebestreit said in a written statement.

Also, Scholz stressed that Germany's support for Ukraine will continue militarily, politically, financially, and in terms of humanitarian aid.

Scholz and Zelenskyy agreed on the safety and protection of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and the importance of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) report and recommended measures.

Russia took control of the facility on March 4, two weeks after beginning its offensive against Ukraine.

Europe's largest nuclear power plant has been shelled several times, raising concerns of a nuclear disaster. Both Moscow and Kyiv accuse each other of attacks at the nuclear facility.

The IAEA report said Ukrainian staff was operating under "constant high stress and pressure," adding that it is not sustainable and could lead to increased human error with implications for nuclear safety.

The UN's nuclear watchdog inspected the facility with a team of experts last week including its director general, and two inspectors will remain there permanently to ensure the facility’s safety.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Russian forces to withdraw all military personnel and equipment from that perimeter and Ukrainian forces not to move into it.