Zelensky says Ukraine will not be attacking Russian territory in counter-offensive

Volodymyr Zelensky pledged he had no ­intention of seizing Russian land after praising a brand new ­£2.4billion German promise of army help.

Ukraine’s president arrived in Berlin to shore up help as his nation prepares a counter-offensive.

But he pledged the push would cease on the outdated borders.

And after holding talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday, Mr Zelensky harassed: “We are not attacking Russian ­territory. We are preparing a ­counterattack to de-occupy the illegitimately conquered territories.”

On the eve of his arrival, the German authorities introduced a brand new bundle of army help for Ukraine value greater than ­£2.4billion, together with tanks, anti-aircraft techniques and ammunition.

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In a transparent image of help, a Luftwaffe jet flew the Ukrainian president to the German capital from Rome, the place he met Pope Francis and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni on Saturday.

Mr Zelensky mentioned he was grateful for the “powerful package” of air defence and different army package being equipped by Berlin.

But he used the go to to hunt additional arms ­deliveries to assist his nation fend off the Russian invasion – in addition to funds to rebuild what has been destroyed by greater than a 12 months of devastating battle.

Mr Zelensky tweeted: “Already in Berlin. Weapons. Powerful package. Air defence. Reconstruction. EU. NATO. Security,” in an obvious ­reference to the important thing priorities of his journey.

Mr Scholz vowed to again Ukraine “for as long as it is necessary” in its combat with Moscow.

After initially hesitating to supply Ukraine with deadly weapons, Germany has turn into one of many largest suppliers sending Leopard 1 and a couple of tanks and the subtle IRIS-T SLM air-defence system.

Mr Zelensky additionally held prolonged talks with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany’s head of state, who was snubbed by Kyiv final 12 months over his earlier shut ties to Russia, inflicting a chill in relations.

Since then, each Steinmeier and Chancellor Scholz have visited Ukraine, assuring Mr Zelensky of their help towards the Russians.

German defence minister Boris Pistorius mentioned Berlin would assist Ukraine for “as long as it takes.”