German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately stalling negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. During a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday, she criticized Putin for escalating attacks instead of engaging in meaningful talks.
“He is manoeuvring his way out of negotiations, continuing his illegal war of aggression and escalating with brutal, threatening attacks on houses,” Baerbock stated at a press conference alongside her Ukrainian counterpart.
She further asserted, “Putin cannot be trusted in this situation. There will only be a real and lasting peace when the Russian president realises that he cannot win this war, that his destruction is not successful.”
Her visit comes as Ukraine, facing difficulties on the battlefield, recently agreed with the United States on a plan for a 30-day ceasefire. However, Putin dismissed the US proposal and intensified his rhetoric about replacing Ukraine’s leadership.
Baerbock’s trip to Kyiv follows the re-election of US President Donald Trump, whose approach to Russia has raised concerns across Europe. His efforts to bypass European leaders in seeking an end to the war have fueled uncertainty about NATO’s future, prompting European nations to bolster their own defense strategies and increase military aid to Ukraine.
Amid these shifts, Ukraine has faced growing pressure to strike a natural resources deal with Washington, which would grant the US access to Ukraine’s rare minerals in exchange for continued support.
Addressing this issue, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga stated, “It is also important to emphasise that this agreement, on which we have started negotiations, cannot in any way contradict our European integration path, our integration into the European Union.”
Germany remains a key supporter of Ukraine, having approved €3 billion ($3.25 billion) in military aid in March as part of a broader spending package that loosened its traditionally strict budget rules.
