German Foreign Minister Baerbock assures Kyiv of support ahead of U.S. vote

The press service of the German Foreign Ministry reported the information.

This is Baerbock’s ninth visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. She last visited Kyiv in May.

"We are countering this cruelty with our humanity and support - so that not only Ukrainians will survive the winter, but also their country will survive. Because they are also defending the freedom of all of us in Europe," the Minister emphasized upon her arrival in Ukraine.

She emphasized that the answer to the countless bombed-out energy facilities in Ukraine is the "winter umbrella" that Germany recently expanded even further by allocating an additional €170 million in emergency energy aid to Kyiv.

"We will respond to Russia's increased drone terror with an air defense initiative. Every single air defense system matters. And so the answer to billions upon billions of dollars in losses is that Russia will have to pay for it. Until that happens, we as the G7 will support Ukraine with a loan of up to $50 billion, using the proceeds of immobilized Russian state assets," Baerbock emphasized.

Emphasizing that the full-scale war in Ukraine has been going on for almost 1,000 days, the German Foreign Minister said that Ukraine is now closer to the EU than ever.

"We support the bold steps of the reform course and continue to encourage them, especially in the fight against corruption and media freedom. For almost 1,000 days, Ukrainians have been striving for peace. From day one - and especially now - they have been steadfast: Germany, together with many partners around the world, stands firmly by Ukraine's side. We will stand by the Ukrainians as long as they need us, so that they can follow their path to a just peace," she added.

This time, the German Foreign Minister is to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and her Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha. The agenda includes discussions on energy aid to Ukraine and strengthening air defense.

Her visit comes just before the U.S. presidential election, where a victory for Republican candidate Donald Trump could raise uncertainty about continued support from Ukraine's primary military ally. Germany, now the leading European donor of military aid to Ukraine, has coordinated closely with Washington in its assistance efforts. However, should Trump defeat Democrat Kamala Harris in Tuesday’s election, this close collaboration may be disrupted. 

• Recently, following a meeting of G7 defense ministers, Ukraine signed an agreement with Germany to strengthen its air defense system.