Germany is actively working on developing reliable security guarantees for Ukraine, but its contribution has not yet been determined—it will depend on the progress of peace talks and the possible contribution of the US, and will be coordinated with its closest partners.
This was stated on Tuesday by German Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius, according to Ukrinform’s correspondent.
“We are particularly aware of our responsibility in Europe these days and are working with our close partners to develop reliable security guarantees for Ukraine. I am in close contact with the chancellor, the foreign minister, and various colleagues from other countries. We are working intensively to find a solution,” Pistorius said.
According to him, Germany is currently the second largest supplier of aid to Ukraine and a leader in the field of air defense support. In addition, Germany is assuming “political responsibility” — for example, by co-chairing the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) together with the United Kingdom since the beginning of this year.
“We are coordinating our actions with NATO and our partners. Last week, we decided to finance one of the first comprehensive support packages totaling up to $500 million under the so-called PURL (Priority Urgent Requirements List) mechanism. In coordination with NATO, Ukraine’s most urgent needs for military equipment are thus identified and met,” Pistorius said.
He also noted that Germany had helped train 21,000 Ukrainian military personnel. “This year and next, we will probably train another 10,000,” the head of the German Defense Ministry added.
He stressed the need to “ensure a strong Ukraine” so that it can “confidently participate in these difficult negotiations.”
“Germany’s contribution to security guarantees has not yet been determined, and this issue will be decided at the political and military levels. We are taking into account, first, the progress of the negotiations, second, the possible contribution of the US, and third, coordination with our closest partners. Of course, it is also necessary to assess Russia’s willingness to reach a peaceful solution,” Pistorius said.
As reported by Ukrinform, next week, the EU defense and foreign ministers will discuss security guarantees for Ukraine and sanctions pressure on Russia.
Ukrinform photos can be purchased here.
Source: Germany working on security guarantees for Ukraine, contribution not yet determined — Pistorius
