German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Kyiv today, 1 April. In the capital, she announced the allocation of €130 million for humanitarian needs in Ukraine, according to the German Foreign Ministry’s press service.
“Every day, Ukrainians continue to fight off Russia’s most brutal attacks. Every night, they defend their country from massive missile and drone strikes. And every morning, the people of Ukraine find the courage to go on — to maintain as much of a normal and everyday life as possible in the midst of a brutal war, for themselves and their families. To support them, we are providing an additional €130 million in humanitarian aid and stabilisation funds to Ukraine,” Baerbock said.
She emphasised that her visit to Kyiv was a demonstration of support for Ukraine.
“Given the impasse between the US and Russia, it is extremely important that we Europeans show our unwavering support for Ukraine — now more than ever. That is why I came to Ukraine today,” she said.
Baerbock recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed to capture Kyiv and subjugate Ukraine in three days. However, after more than three years of brutal Russian aggression, it is clear that his plan has failed.
“He has dragged not only Ukraine but also Russia into a brutal war of attrition, which he will not win. On the contrary, the people of Ukraine are courageously and resolutely defending their independence and democracy, even in the fourth year of the war,” she said.
The minister stressed that no one wants peace more than the Ukrainian people and that Ukraine is ready for an immediate ceasefire. However, she accused Putin of stalling, rejecting peace, and continuing his war of aggression in violation of international law.
“At the upcoming NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting, we will also make it clear to the American side that we must not succumb to Putin’s delaying tactics,” she said.
According to Baerbock, it is important to be in Ukraine now and reaffirm that the next German government will continue large-scale support for the country.
“Germany will not abandon the people of Ukraine, our European neighbours. The decision by the current and future governing parties to provide an additional €3 billion in short-term support and a further €8.25 billion in military aid until 2029 is a testament to our strong cross-party solidarity and commitment,” she said. She also noted that recent amendments to the German Constitution are a clear sign that Germany is “seriously committed” to further support for Ukraine and European security.
Since taking office, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has visited Ukraine 10 times. This marks her 11th visit and her 9th since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
- Earlier, Baerbock welcomed US efforts to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine but warned of the dangers of Putin’s negotiating tactics. She stated that genuine dialogue cannot take place when a ceasefire is constantly tied to new demands and concessions.