Kyiv:– In a strong show of solidarity, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys arrived in Kyiv to reaffirm their unwavering support for Ukraine. The two diplomats pledged continued military and humanitarian assistance, calling on European nations to maintain unity against Russia’s ongoing aggression. Their visit, first reported by Deutsche Welle, highlights Europe’s growing leadership in backing Ukraine as U.S.-Russia relations remain strained.
“We Stand With Ukraine—Now More Than Ever”
Baerbock underscored the necessity of European unity, emphasizing that unwavering support for Ukraine is essential as the war drags on.
“With US-Russia relations at a standstill, it is more crucial than ever for us Europeans to show that we support Ukraine—without any ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’—and that we stand with it now more than ever”, Baerbock stated upon her arrival in Kyiv.
She reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to peace, asserting that the Ukrainian people “want peace more than anyone”. However, she placed direct responsibility for the stalled negotiations on Moscow.
“It is Putin who is stalling, who does not want peace, and who continues his aggressive war in violation of international law”, Baerbock continued. “He pretends to be open to negotiations, but he has not retreated a single step from his goals”.
Exposing Russia’s False Peace Narrative
Baerbock cautioned Western nations against being deceived by Russia’s rhetoric of peace while its military operations persist.
“Putin’s plan to take Kyiv in three days failed. He is now dragging Russia through a war of attrition he cannot win”, she said. “We must not let Putin and his cronies blind us. A mere offer of peace does not mean peace”.
The German Foreign Minister stated that this warning would be conveyed directly to NATO allies and the United States at an upcoming NATO foreign ministers’ meeting.
“We plan to make it clear to the United States that we must not fall for Putin’s delaying tactics”, she added.
Lithuania Calls for Increased Military and Humanitarian Aid
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys echoed Germany’s strong stance, urging European nations to ramp up their support for Ukraine.
“Ukraine’s fight is Europe’s fight, and any hesitation now will only cost us more later”, Budrys said, reinforcing the strategic necessity of continued military and humanitarian aid.
Budrys has previously warned about the long-term threats Russia poses to the Baltic states and the broader European security framework. His latest remarks reiterate Lithuania’s firm commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Ukraine Seeks More Weapons & Diplomatic Support
The visit by Baerbock and Budrys comes at a critical juncture for Ukraine, which continues to seek additional weapons and diplomatic backing amid stalled ceasefire talks. With Russian forces intensifying their assaults on civilian infrastructure, Ukrainian officials are pushing for a stronger international response.
As European leaders take a more proactive role in countering Russian aggression, the message from Berlin and Vilnius is clear: the West will not be fooled by deceptive peace overtures from the Kremlin.
