German Foreign Minister arrives in Kyiv
21 May 2024 11:00
ВІДЕО
German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock has arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit. This was reported by the press service of the German Foreign Ministry, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
It is noted that the purpose of Burbock’s visit is an attempt to assure Ukraine that despite the deteriorating situation on the battlefield, Germany and Europe will continue to stand firmly by its side and will not stop providing assistance.
The Foreign Minister’s trip is also a preparation for the Berlin conference on reconstruction as an investment in Ukraine’s future.
“Our support is based on a deep conviction that Ukraine will win this war. Putin speculates that at some point we will run out of strength, but we have the strength of mind. Together with many other countries from all over the world, Germany is unwaveringly standing by Ukraine. The people of Ukraine can count on this in the long run,”
– said the German Foreign Minister.
Burbock is also convinced that Ukraine’s place is in the European Union.
“Putin, in his imperial madness, wanted to take over Ukraine, but instead he firmly connected it to Europe. Our fate as Europeans has never been so closely tied to the fate of Ukraine. Ukraine is defending its freedom with great determination, and in doing so, it is fighting for the freedom of all of us. Ukraine’s accession to the EU is a necessary geopolitical consequence of Russia’s war of aggression in violation of international law. Ukraine has made impressive progress and is on a path of reform despite Russia’s destructiveness. Now it is important not to let up on our efforts – in judicial reform, the fight against corruption and media freedom,”
– she said.
Burbank also stressed that Ukraine urgently needs a stronger air defence system to protect itself from Russia’s hail of missiles and drones.
“That is why, together with Defence Minister Pistorius, I have launched a global initiative to strengthen air defence. Almost a billion euros have been raised to provide additional support to Ukraine’s air defence forces, and we are working intensively to raise even more,”
– the minister said.
Earlier, Annalena Burbock called on the West to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles.
It was also reported that the German Ministry of Defence has requested an additional €3.8 billion from its government to assist Ukraine this fiscal year.
