Emmanuel Thomas, DPA, Sunday, May 14, 2023
AACHEN – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday congratulated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on receiving the Charlemagne Prize for work done in the service of European unification.
“You give hope and are an inspiration far beyond Ukraine,” the German head of state said. “Your impressive struggle for our common values, for freedom and democracy has made a deep impression on us and has brought us closer and more united in solidarity than ever.”
“We will continue to support Ukraine, politically, militarily, financially, as long as this is necessary,” Steinmeier said, adding that this also applied to the war-torn country’s reconstruction.
The decision to award this year’s prize to Ukraine’s leader and people highlighted their role in repelling the Russian invasion of their country, according to the German president.
Zelensky was not only president and commander-in-chief of the country’s army, but “also the motivator, communicator, the motor and the brace between Ukraine and the great phalanx of supporters,” Steinmeier said.
Named after Charlemagne, the Frankish king widely revered as the “Father of Europe,” the prize is the oldest and best-known recognition for work done towards the continent’s unification.