On Monday, Annalena Baerbock, German Foreign Minister made a surprise visit to Kyiv, pledging uncompromising aid for Ukraine and praising its improvement on the way towards EU membership.
In a statement released by the foreign ministry upon her arrival, Baerbock said that with tremendous bravery and determination, Ukraine is also supporting the freedom of all of us. And Kyiv can “count on us” in return, she added.
German FM added that we will not lessen in our endeavors to help Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression: economically, militarily, and in the humanitarian sphere.
Baerbock marked her fourth visit on Monday to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Ukraine’s request for European Union membership is expected to be among the matters of discussion with Ukrainian officials during this trip.
Kyic received EU candidacy status a year ago and is expecting to start formal negotiations this year on what it is required to do to set up its membership bid.
Ukraine had already made “good progress” in some spots including judicial reforms, but said it still had “some way to go” in intercepting corruption, Baerbock said.
She reaffirmed Germany’s “resolute aid for Ukraine on its way into the European Union”.
Baerbock said that we as the EU must now perform quickly to ensure we are properly set for more chairs at the table.
In the statement, Baerbock also expressed disappointment at the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin “will stop at nothing” to hurt the Ukraine’s people, she said.
