German coalition leaders arrive in Kyiv

This is also the first joint visit by the leaders of the parliamentary groups of both parties. In the German capital, they are to hold talks on further support for Ukraine and ways to diplomatically resolve the war.

Clear signal of support

Upon arrival, Spahn emphasizes that the main purpose of the visit is to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine.

He tells reporters in Kyiv that Matthias Miersch and he were there to send a clear signal that the CDU/CSU and SPD government factions stood, now and in the future, on the side of Ukraine and the brave Ukrainians who were defending their homeland, their country, and also Europe.

Security guarantees for Ukraine

Responding to a question about security guarantees for Ukraine, Spahn said that the primary task is to provide the Ukrainian army with modern weapons.

He stresses that the first and most important security guarantee for Ukraine was the Ukrainian army and that, first and foremost, they wanted to equip it as well as possible.

Miersch supported this position. At the same time, politicians remained cautious about the possible deployment of a Bundeswehr contingent, without ruling out such a scenario.

Spahn says first of all, it was planned to arm and equip the Ukrainian army, provide it with constant support, and then, together with the Americans, provide Ukraine with security guarantees. There are many options for what exactly and how this will be done, which will be discussed during the negotiations.

Context

On August 25, German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil visited Kyiv. He promised that Germany would allocate €9 billion annually to support Ukraine and was ready to join security guarantees.

At the same time, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had previously stated that Germany would not deploy military forces on Ukrainian territory.