War in Ukraine
Surprise solidarity visit: Foreign Minister Baerbock in Kyiv
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock together with her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba
© Oliver Weiken / DPA
Germany is one of Ukraine’s most important supporters in the war against Russia. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is now showing this during her unannounced visit to Kiev.
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) is on an unannounced visit to the Ukraine arrived. “The situation in Ukraine has once again escalated dramatically with the massive Russian air strikes on the civilian infrastructure and the brutal Russian offensive in the Kharkiv area,” explained Baerbock on Tuesday after her arrival in Kiev. For better protection, the country “urgently needs more air defense,” she added.
It is Baerbock’s eighth visit to Ukraine since the start of the Russian war of aggression in February 2022. The aim of the trip is to assure the Ukrainian interlocutors of the support of Germany and the EU, even in view of the worsening situation in the combat areas, it said Foreign Office.
Baerbock believes in Ukraine’s victory
“Our support is rooted in the deep conviction that Ukraine will win this war,” emphasized Baerbock in Kiev. Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin is speculating that “at some point we will run out of air, but we have staying power,” she said. The people of Ukraine could rely on long-term support from Germany and other allies.
Baerbock also called for Ukraine to be admitted to the European Union. Ukraine has made impressive progress and is on the path to reform. “It is now important not to let up in our efforts – in judicial reform, the fight against corruption and media freedom.”
The situation in Ukraine has worsened again after the start of a Russian ground offensive on May 10 in the northeastern Kharkiv region. According to the Ukrainian side, the Russian troops have so far advanced around five to ten kilometers. It is the largest Russian gain in territory in the war since the end of 2022.