German Bundesrat chief in Kyiv: Ukraine must prevail in war

This is reported by DW, Ukrinform saw.

The visit comes as "a sign of the sidarity of all 16 federal states with Ukraine," said Schwesig, who became the first head of the Bundesrat to visit Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

"Ukraine must prevail in this war. Russia cannot be allowed to achieve its goal through this aggression," Shwezig emphasized.

In addition, with her visit to Kyiv, the Bundesrat head confronts objections against further support for Ukraine, which can be heard especially in the east of Germany. Her task as head of the federal state is including to protect the course of the federal government against such sentiments, she noted.

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During a train trip to Kyiv, Shwesig emphasized while speaking with journalists that Germany stands in sidarity with Ukrainians who are suffering from Russia’s military aggression. It is necessary to continue humanitarian, financial, and military support to Ukraine and to supply the nation with more weapons, she added. "Ukraine must be able to defend itself, including with the help of Patriot systems," she said.

Schwesig took the helm of the Bundesrat – the representation of federal states – on November 1, 2023 for a period of 12 months. Head of the Bundesrat is the fourth most important state position in Germany after federal president, head of the Bundestag, and federal chancellor.

Against the background of Russian aggression against Ukraine, Shwesig was widely criticized, including in Ukraine, for her dedication to the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which was supposed to deliver Russian gas to Germany.

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After the invasion, she distanced herself from the project and branded it a mistake. She stated that 2022 was a turning point, including for her personally. The authorities of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern have concluded a partnership agreement with Chernihiv region and now support it in the framework of various projects.

As Ukrinform reported earlier the Bundesrat in a resution approved for the second anniversary of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, condemned this aggression, calling for its immediate end, and at the same time emphasized the importance of develing comprehensive ties with Ukraine.

Photo: DPA