German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Donald Trump's presidency would be a "challenge" and assured that Germany and France would not weaken their support for Ukraine.

"And this week we are dealing with a new U.S. administration. President Trump, it is already clear, will be a challenge," he said in a press statement during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace on Wednesday.

At the same time, Scholz noted that Europe and the United States are connected by a "long history" of friendship and partnership. According to him, Europe "will not hide" but will become a "constructive and self-confident partner."

"On this basis, we will fruitfully cooperate with the United States and the new American president," Scholz said.

After the meeting with Macron, the Chancellor also emphasized that "Ukraine can rely on us."

"We will not weaken our support for Ukraine, which has been resisting Russian aggression with great courage for almost three years now. I assured Volodymyr Zelenskyy of this once again yesterday at our meeting in Davos. Of course, we all want to put an end to this terrible war. But this can only be achieved with a strong Ukraine," Scholz said.

He added that he and Macron both agree that "Europe must be strong and resilient in a world that is, to put it mildly, in a state of change."