German Federal Council President Schwesig arrives in Kyiv

DW repored the information.

Schwesig said that her visit is a sign of solidarity of all 16 federal states of Germany with Ukraine. Thus, the official became the first head of the Bundesrat to visit Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion.

"Ukraine must win this war. Russia must not be allowed to get its way with this aggression," Schwesig emphasized.

According to her, with this visit to Kyiv, she is countering the objections to further support for Ukraine that can be heard especially in eastern Germany. Her task as the head of the federal state is, among other things, to defend the course of the federal government against such sentiments.

While traveling by train to Kyiv, Schwesig emphasized in a conversation with journalists that Germany stands in solidarity with Ukrainians suffering from Russia's military aggression. She noted that it is necessary to continue humanitarian, financial, and military support for Ukraine and to supply the country with new weapons.

"Ukraine must be able to defend itself, including with the help of Patriot systems," the German social democrat said.

In Kyiv, Schwesig met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The politicians held talks during which they raised a number of issues.

"This is an important visit that demonstrates the solidarity of the German government and all federal states with Ukraine. Our countries have a high level of partnership, in particular at the level of communities and regions. We have already concluded 210 municipal and 7 interregional partnerships. We expect to continue to work in this direction, as it contributes to the restoration and development of Ukrainian communities and cities," Shmyhal said.

He also thanked Germany for organizing the Recovery Conference, which resulted in the signing of more than 100 agreements totaling €16 billion. He also thanked Germany for its patronage of the restoration of Ukraine's Chernihiv region.

"Assistance in the energy sector is especially important. We appreciate the willingness of German business to provide the necessary equipment. We discussed the decentralization of the Ukrainian energy system and investments in the development of renewable energy," the Ukrainian Prime Minister said.

An equally important topic was raised during the talks - the protection of infrastructure and civilians.

"I thanked them for the provision of the Patriot systems and missiles. I expressed my gratitude to the German government and Chancellor Olaf Scholz for their firm support and significant contribution to the strengthening of Ukraine," Shmyhal summarized.

Manuela Schwesig took office as President of the Bundesrat, the representative body of the federal states, on November 1, 2023, for a 12-month term. The President of the Bundesrat is the fourth most important public office in Germany after the Federal President, the President of the Bundestag, and the Federal Chancellor.

• Recently, the newly elected chairman of the German Bundestag Defense Committee, Marcus Faber, visited Donbas and Kharkiv region to personally find out the current needs and problems of the Ukrainian military.