Foreign Minister Baerbock said in an interview with the daily topics stressed the importance of supplying “weapons with range” to Ukraine. Before a possible deployment of “Taurus” cruise missiles, however, many details would have to be clarified, said Baerbock.
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said in an interview with the daily topics stressed the importance of “weapons with range” for Ukraine. They played a significant role in the reconquest of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.
Above all, it is important that the Ukrainian armed forces reach the eastern Ukrainian areas, said the minister, who visited the Ukrainian capital Kiev again today. The mine belt in front of the areas is as big as the “former West Germany”. The people who lived behind it could only be reached if the Ukrainian army got over there. This requires “weapons with a range, like those supplied by the French or the British”.
“Taurus” –Cruise missile: Clarify details first
Regarding the delivery of corresponding German “Taurus” cruise missiles, the minister said that we must first “clarify all the details before we make final promises” and referred to the experiences with previous weapons deliveries such as the “Iris-T” system.
One has to ensure that “the ammunition is there and that the devices can also be used”. With other deliveries we have seen that this is not automatically the case. The same applies to the possible delivery of “Taurus” cruise missiles.
“Majority of countries want peace”
When asked about the military situation and Ukraine’s counteroffensive, the minister said, “Every day counts. People have been living in captivity every day for over 560 days.”
Regarding the G-20 final document, Baerbock explained that Russia was part of the G-20 format. It is clear “that the aggressor does not declare in a final document that war crimes and crimes against humanity are taking place in his name.” But: “The vast majority of countries want peace.” This was also emphasized at the G20 summit.
Anti-corruption “at the top” of the agenda.
Baerbock again emphasized the importance of fighting corruption in Ukraine. The country has “brought enormous reform power on the way, especially in the fight against corruption”.
However, it is not enough just to change laws, it must “also really be lived in a society,” said the minister. She also made it clear to a special prosecutor during her visit. Precisely because so much financial support goes to Ukraine from the West, “it is important that this is on the agenda and it is,” added Baerbock.