Klingbeil: we stand by Ukraine
In Kyiv, Finance Minister Klingbeil highlighted the importance of reliable security guarantees. He also stressed the need for Ukraine’s army to remain capable of defence.
Kyiv (dpa) – Vice Chancellor and Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has indicated that Germany could take part in security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace settlement. At the same time, however, he stressed the need for joint preparations in case Russian President Vladimir Putin was not willing to end his war of aggression. Klingbeil made this clear during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv (photo).
The finance minister emphasised that his immediate priority was to ensure that Ukraine could strengthen its own defences. He spoke of “a truly strong Ukrainian army, capable of defending itself.” “The second point,” Klingbeil added, “is that arms production here in Ukraine must also be expanded, enabling the country both to defend itself and to deter aggression.”
Zelenskiy underlined that a military presence by Ukraine’s supporters would be significant in deterring renewed Russian attacks. “I believe this is important,” the president said when asked about the deployment of troops. But he added that he did not wish to anticipate ongoing discussions with major partners.