Updated on 05/10/2022 at 20:36
- Foreign Minister Baerbock had an idea of the destruction caused by Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
- She assured the country broad support in solving war crimes.
- The Green politician also explained that Germany wants to do without Russian energy completely in the future.
In her first visit to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pledged broad support in the investigation of war crimes. “There must be no impunity for the war crimes committed by Russia, for kidnapping, for murderers and rapists,” she said at a meeting with her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Kiev on Tuesday. “That’s why we will support international investigations, especially those of the International Criminal Court, politically, financially and with German personnel.”
In the capital Kiev, Baerbock also reopened the German embassy, which had temporarily stopped working because of Russia’s war of aggression. Baerbock, who was the first member of the German government to visit Ukraine after the start of the war, also met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy thanks Germany for solidarity
Zelenskyy thanked Baerbock for showing Germany’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The minister was joined by her Dutch counterpart Wopke Hoekstra, who expressed his dismay at the destruction wrought by Russia’s war, including in the suburbs of the capital Kiev. Baerbock also visited the Butscha and Irpin places.
Baerbock also informed Zelenskyy that in a few days Ukrainian soldiers would begin training on the modern Panzerhaubitze 2000, which Germany and the Netherlands would hand over to Ukraine. She then announced that there was an “open and friendly conversation” with Zelenskyy. It was also about reconstruction and the question of “how can the blockade on Ukrainian food exports, which are urgently needed around the world, be resolved”. Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest grain exporters, but Russia has blocked important ports for trade.
Baerbock: “Will continue to support European and free Ukraine”
After a long discussion about visits by German politicians to Ukraine, Baerbock traveled to Kiev as the first representative of the federal government. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) welcomed the trips of Baerbock (Greens) and Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (SPD). Bas was in Ukraine on Sunday. “Well, I think it’s a good foundation for the still important collaborative relationships that we have.” When asked if he himself would travel to Kiev in the near future, he did not respond.
Baerbock told a news conference with Kuleba that Germany would “unshakably” support Ukraine’s fight for freedom and peace. Together with German companies, work is being done to ensure that Ukraine can “obtain state-of-the-art systems to protect its cities against future attacks,” Baerbock said. She emphasized: “We will continue to support European free Ukraine. Humanitarian, financial, economic, technological, political and energy issues.” This also applies in the long term, she said with a view to reopening the embassy.
Baerbock: Germany wants to do without Russian power completely
The Green politician also explained that Germany wants to do without the energy of “aggressor” Russia completely in the future. “That’s why we’re reducing our dependence on Russian energy to zero – and for good.” Until now, Germany has been mostly dependent on Russian gas. Ukraine has repeatedly asked Germany to stop using Russian oil and gas. Baerbock stressed that in the future there can be no agreement with Russia over Ukraine’s bosses.
Read too: All current information about the war in Ukraine on the live ticker
While the minister supported the attacked country’s efforts to join the EU, she warned against false promises. There can be no “shortcuts” on the way to full EU membership. “Ukraine is an integral part of Europe,” she said. Her love for freedom strengthens her in the fight against the “autocratic regime” of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Baerbock warned that the war was not yet over. “A rocket can land anywhere in this country.”
Baerbock shocked by crimes in Bucha
Baerbock, protected by heavily armed security guards and wearing a bulletproof vest, appeared shocked by the crimes in Kiev’s devastated suburbs of Bucha and Irpin. She announced that Germany would be more involved in collecting evidence of war crimes committed against civilians. For example, German coroners must support the work of Ukrainian authorities.
In view of the well-documented cases of rape of women after the Russian invasion, psychologists must also help to deal with trauma. There should also be support in clearing mines in towns and villages after the withdrawal of Russian troops. (mt/dpa)
Teaser image: © dpa / Efrem Lukatsky/AP/dpa