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Germany’s Finance Minister Reaffirms Support for Ukraine During Unannounced Kyiv Trip
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil reaffirmed Germany’s steadfast support for Ukraine on Monday during an unannounced visit to Kyiv, according to a report by Reuters on August 25.
“Putin should have no illusions that Germany’s support for Ukraine could crumble,” Klingbeil said. “On the contrary: We remain Ukraine’s second-largest supporter worldwide and the largest in Europe. Ukraine can continue to rely on Germany.”
Klingbeil, leader of the Social Democratic Party, the junior partner in Chancellor Friedrich Merz’ conservative-led coalition government, emphasized that any peace process must include Kyiv’s input, a ceasefire, and reliable security guarantees to ensure lasting stability.
“Putin must demonstrate a genuine interest in a peace process in Europe’s deadliest war in 80 years,” Klingbeil said. “To this end, we are coordinating closely internationally.”
The remarks come amid ongoing discussions about post-war security arrangements for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have publicly backed the potential deployment of troops as part of a coalition of the willing.
Merz has also indicated that Germany could participate, though such a move could face political backlash domestically and internationally, Reuters writes.
Since the war began in February 2022, the German government has provided Ukraine with $59.18 billion in support, according to Klingbeil’s ministry.
Previously, it was reported that German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the West is cautiously optimistic about steps toward peace in Ukraine, but emphasized that a meeting between Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin will only take place once Moscow is ready.
