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Foreign Minister Baerbock on a visit to Ukraine: A meeting with President Selenskyj is cancelled
Photo: GLEB GARANICH / REUTERS
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has traveled to Ukraine for the second time within three weeks.
During her visit to Kiev, she again assured Ukraine of German solidarity.
"We will do everything to ensure that there will be no further escalation," promised the Green politician after a meeting with her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba.
"We stand by the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine without any ifs or buts." Last week Ukraine submitted a list of weapons requests to the federal government.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), however, reiterated the German no.
Baerbock said: »There is nothing less at stake at the moment than peace in Europe.
In this extremely dangerous situation, our greatest strength is our unity.« Germany's solidarity »is valid for the Ukraine as a state, it is above all for the people in the Ukraine«.
Internationally, there is great concern that Russia could invade the former Soviet republic.
The Kremlin denies any plans to invade the neighboring country.
In addition, Baerbock has confirmed Germany's willingness to "pay a high economic price" in the event of sanctions against Russia.
"It's about the security of Ukraine," said Baerbock on Monday afternoon at a joint press conference with her Ukrainian colleague Dmytro Kuleba.
In the event of an escalation in the Ukraine conflict, Germany and its partners have prepared "a series of tough measures" against Russia.
Baerbock and Kuleba emphasize their unity
Kuleba called Baerbock's visit a "clear sign of Germany's political solidarity."
In their conversation, which lasted several hours, the two talked about how to proceed.
Nord Stream 2 was also a topic of discussion, said the Ukrainian foreign minister.
On the subject of arms deliveries, Kuleba said that, as is well known, there are different views.
"Today we found points of contact and are waiting for the decision of the German government," he said.
"Neither during today's meeting nor before did Annalena press me for any concessions."
The Ukrainian foreign minister also emphasized his country's red line: he says there is nothing to shake about his country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In addition, there will be no direct dialogue between his government and the pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.
Third, the Ukrainian people are the only "source" for their country's foreign policy decisions.
He called the previous conversation with Baerbock successful and trusting.
At the same time, Baerbock and Kuleba underlined the unity: "Nobody will be able to rip a rift between Ukraine and its partners," said the Ukrainian foreign minister, referring to "Russia and pro-Russian politicians" abroad.
"You can count on us," assured Baerbock.
Meeting with
Selenskyj is cancelled
Baerbock will not meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as planned during her visit to Ukraine this Monday. Instead, the Green politicians are speaking to Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal, according to their delegation in Kiev. This was justified with other appointments. The central topic of the second visit to Ukraine within three weeks is the conflict with Russia. An attack by Russian troops on the former Soviet republic is feared in the West.
At the start of the two-day trip, Baerbock visited a memorial that commemorates the victims of a famine in 1932/33.
At that time, at least three million people are said to have died in what is now Ukraine.
In the evening, Baerbock wanted to see a military hospital co-financed by Germany.
On Tuesday, a trip to the east of the country is on the agenda, to the front line between government troops and the separatists backed by Russia in the Donbass conflict zone.
Macron visits Putin
The search for a diplomatic solution is also on the agenda in Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have started talks in the Russian capital on rising tensions in Europe.
At the start of the consultations on solving the Ukraine crisis, both expressed reservations.
In Moscow, Putin praised the efforts of the French representatives to solve security problems in Europe.
This also applies to Ukraine.
Russia and France share concerns about the security situation in Europe, Putin said.
In consultations with Putin, Macron called for a “meaningful” response from Europe and Russia to end tensions.
It is about avoiding war and building trust and stability.
Macron did not initially give details of a possible de-escalation.
The French President travels to Kiev on Tuesday.
asc/AFP/Reuters/dpa
