German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Kyiv for her eighth visit since Russia's full-scale invasion, vowing that Western allies will continue to support Ukraine. The visit took place one day before the US elections, which could see the return of Donald Trump to the White House.
"Germany, together with many partners worldwide, stands rock-solid by Ukraine's side," Baerbock stated in a release as Ukraine prepares for its third winter of conflict. "We will support the people of Ukraine for as long as they need us so they can follow their path to a just peace."
US President Joe Biden has pledged continued support for Ukraine, but a Trump victory could result in reduced backing from Kyiv's largest military supporter. Baerbock emphasized the need to safeguard Ukraine's energy infrastructure during the winter months.
She highlighted that Germany is countering Russia's "brutality" with "humanity and support -- so that the Ukrainians not only survive the winter, but their country can survive." Germany, Ukraine's second-largest supporter after the United States, has committed 170 million euros in emergency aid to help the country through the winter.
Ukraine has repeatedly requested long-range Taurus missiles from Germany, but Chancellor Olaf Scholz has declined due to concerns about escalating and broadening the conflict. Scholz has also turned down Ukraine's request to join NATO immediately, a proposal made by President Volodymyr Zelensky in his recent "Victory Plan" presented to Western allies.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
