Ukraine can count on Germany - Finance Minister
Photo: Lars Klingbeil (Getty Images)
Vladimir Putin should be aware that Germany's support for Ukraine is not waning. Berlin has already provided Kyiv with €50 billion, according to German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor, Lars Klingbeil.
"Putin should have no illusions that Germany's support for Ukraine could crumble," Klingbeil said after arriving in Kyiv on an unannounced visit.
He is the leader of the Social Democratic Party, which is the junior partner in the conservative coalition government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
"On the contrary: We remain Ukraine's second-largest supporter worldwide and the largest in Europe," Klingbeil said. "Ukraine can continue to rely on Germany."
According to Klingbeil's ministry, the German government has provided Ukraine with €50.5 billion in support since the start of the war.
Peace talks
Klingbeil called on Putin to show interest in the peace process in the deadliest war in Europe in 80 years, which broke out in February 2022.
US President Donald Trump insists on ending the war as soon as possible, but Kyiv and its allies are concerned that he may try to impose a deal on Russia's terms.
Klingbeil said Ukraine must be involved in the negotiations and that a ceasefire and reliable security guarantees are necessary for a lasting peace.
"To this end, we are coordinating closely internationally," he said.
Among the options for guaranteeing Ukraine's security after a possible peace agreement presented this week, both French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported the deployment of troops as part of a Coalition of the Willing.
Merz also declared Germany's openness to participation, but will face negative reactions on this issue both within his political spectrum and beyond.
