Ukraine Invites Scholtz To Kyiv After Blocking Steinmeier's Visit

Ukraine has invited German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz to Kyiv, its ambassador to Germany Andriy Melnyk told the ProSieben TV network. The diplomat noted that Ukraine's President Zelensky would like to discuss "how Germany can help Ukraine with heavy weapons in the fight against Russia."

• The issue of potential arms deliveries was discussed during Tuesday's talks between three senior MPs from German ruling coalition and their Ukrainian counterparts. Green Party lawmaker Anton Hofreiter said that Ukrainian colleagues requested heavy arms deliveries and a complete embargo on Russian energy imports.
• The three German MPs who chair Bundestag committees on foreign affairs, defence and Europe delivered a joint statement, in which they backed further arms deliveries and a clear path to EU membership for Ukraine as well as imposing a ban on Russian oil imports as soon as possible.
• Meanwhile, the MPs criticised Ukraine's decision to disinvite Germany's President. Earlier on Tuesday, Frank-Walter Steinmeier confirmed that his offer to visit Kyiv was turned down, presumably over his efforts to improve relations with Russia when he served as Germany's Foreign Minister.