NATO's Secretary General deemed Zelensky's criticism of Scholz as unjust.

The sharp criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky towards German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is unwarranted.

This was stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Reuters.

Although Germany is a crucial ally of Ukraine, its indecision regarding the supply of long-range Taurus cruise missiles has become a source of disappointment in Kyiv, which is fighting an opponent armed with a powerful arsenal of long-range weaponry.

"I have often told Zelensky that he should stop criticizing Olaf Scholz, as I find it unfair," Rutte said in an interview with DPA.

Rutte also stated that, unlike Scholz, he would supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles and would not impose restrictions on their use.

"Overall, we know that such capabilities are very important for Ukraine," Rutte said, adding that it is not for him to decide what allies should provide.

After a phone call between Scholz and Vladimir Putin in November, Zelensky stated that this opened a Pandora's box, undermining efforts to isolate Putin and to end the war with a "just peace."

Germany's Assistance

Since the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine in 2022, Germany has become one of Ukraine's key partners, providing a wide range of assistance.

Germany actively supports Ukraine in strengthening its defense capabilities by supplying modern weaponry, including:

• Air defense systems such as IRIS-T.
• Self-propelled artillery units, for example, PzH 2000.
• Leopard 2 tanks.
• Armored vehicles and transports.
• Air defense systems.
• Reconnaissance drones and kamikaze drones.
• Ammunition, spare parts, and other equipment.