BERLIN

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy began an official visit to Berlin on Sunday by meeting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Steinmeier welcomed Zelenskyy at his official residence, Bellevue Palace, where the two had a face-to-face meeting to discuss bilateral ties, the Russia-Ukraine war, and regional issues.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and top officials later in the day, and he is expected to ask for more financial support, military equipment, and weapons.

Ahead of his official meetings in Berlin, Zelenskyy thanked Germany for pledging a new military aid package and indicated that the country’s EU and NATO membership bids will also be on the agenda.

“Already in Berlin. Weapons. Powerful package. Air defense. Reconstruction. EU. NATO. Security,” Zelenskyy tweeted after he arrived in Berlin early Sunday.

The plane carrying Zelenskyy and his delegation to Berlin was escorted by German fighter jets.

Berlin police were also placed on high alert, streets around the major government buildings were closed, and snipers were positioned on top of buildings.