Germany will supply weapons to Ukraine to the war zone, despite the fact that until recently the country had professed a "philosophy of security."
This was stated by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Ukrinform reports.
According to Steinmeier, the governments of Germany and Poland are closely cooperating on steps to support Ukraine.
The President of Germany stressed that "we are in solidarity with Ukraine."
He noted that vladimir putin had failed to divide Europe. On the contrary, it has rallied and strengthened to counter russian aggression.
"There can be no return to normal relations with such a russia. Russian war crimes have been seen all over the world. They need to be documented and investigated, and the perpetrators and political decision-makers must be brought to justice," Steinmeier said.
The German leader called on putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine and to allow the evacuation of civilians from besieged Mariupol.
As for sanctions, Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed that the EU should increase economic pressure on russia and at the same time reduce energy exports from russia. For example, Germany cannot quickly give up russian energy.
"Those who initiate sanctions should not suffer more than russia itself," Steinmeier said.
It will be recalled that according to German media, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier wanted to come with a visit to Kyiv, but President Volodymyr Zelensky did not want to see him. Close connections of the German politician with russia in the past were mentioned among the reasons.
Before, Steinmeier said he acknowledged his own mistakes in policy toward russia.