Ukraine-US rare earths deal must comply with EU laws, says Baerbock

The Lithuanian Foreign Minister announced his visit on the social platform X.

"Arrived to free Kyiv to express Lithuania’s unwavering support to brave Ukrainian nation. We will continue standing by your side in your fight for freedom & sovereignty," Budrys wrote.

He added that Lithuania supports a strong, stable, and prosperous Ukraine in the EU.

"Together to victory!" the Lithuanian minister emphasized.

According to BILD, the German Foreign Minister also arrived in Kyiv. This marks her eleventh visit to Ukraine and likely her last in office.

During her visit to Kyiv, Baerbock commented on the upcoming agreement between Ukraine and the United States regarding rare-earth elements, stating that the document must comply with EU legislation.

"After all, this is our European continent," the diplomat was quoted by Sky News.

Baerbock announced an additional €130 million in humanitarian aid from Germany to Ukraine.

"With the deadlock between the U.S. and Russia, it is absolutely crucial that we show our unwavering support for Ukraine and step it up even more now," the German Foreign Minister stressed.

She noted that Ukraine is ready for an immediate ceasefire, but Russian leader Vladimir Putin is stalling, refuses peace, and continues his aggressive war in violation of international law.

Baerbock added that at the upcoming NATO foreign ministers' meeting, she intends to make it clear to the American side "that we must not fall for Putin's delaying tactics."

She also assured that the next German federal government will continue large-scale support for Ukraine.

Talks with Foreign Minister Sybiha

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held talks with his Lithuanian counterpart Budrys, according to the Ukrainian ministry.

During the meeting, the diplomats discussed Ukraine’s next steps toward EU and NATO membership, the launch of the Ukraine EU Integration Support Program for 2025-2027, the role of the Nordic-Baltic Eight and Lublin Triangle formats, and the outcomes of the talks in Saudi Arabia.

"We will never recognize any territories stolen by Russia, we will not accept any restrictions on our military or defense capabilities, and we will not allow anyone to dictate our choice of unions and alliances. The Ukrainian army must grow stronger, and deterrence against Russia must be reinforced both now and after the war," Sybiha stated.

• A day earlier, on March 31, speakers and vice-speakers of parliaments from 17 European countries, along with European Parliament representatives, arrived in Kyiv. A summit was held in Bucha with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.