Germany expressed its readiness to join security guarantees for Ukraine alongside European partners, but further negotiations remain in the early stages and must be defined by Kyiv. These remarks were made during a visit to Kyiv by the German Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, according to Reuters.
According to him, the main goal is to create security guarantees that will ensure Ukraine will no longer become a target of aggression, and that Putin will no longer dare to attack the country. He also noted that to achieve this goal, Ukraine’s army must be strengthened and domestic defense production increased within the country.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that Germany would take responsibility for providing security guarantees, but decisions should not be made “over the heads of Ukrainians,” and any negotiating process must begin with a ceasefire. He added that the ball is now in Putin’s court.
“It is important that, in the end, there are security guarantees that will ensure Ukraine will not be attacked again, and that Putin will not dare to attack Ukraine again”
– Reuters
“The ball is now in Vladimir Putin’s court. I believe we are still very far from the end, because I cannot yet imagine Putin changing his mind, suddenly softening, suddenly wanting to conduct genuine, serious, lasting peace talks”
– Lars Klingbeil
On August 25, the unannounced visit to Kyiv was undertaken by Germany’s Finance Minister and Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, underscoring Berlin’s intent to ramp up involvement in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security and seeking paths to peace.