Sibikha warns against returning to business as usual relations with Russia

This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiga at a joint press conference with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Annalena Baerbock in Kyiv, as reported by the Ukrinform correspondent.

“We also discussed increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. I would like to emphasize that those who are still deluded about Russia should understand that there can be no return to past relations, to business as usual with Russia, regardless of whether we are talking about Nord Stream or other projects. Moscow is an existential threat. Any contacts with Russia will lead to funding the Russian military machine, which in turn will become a direct threat to the security and well-being of every European family,” he noted.

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Sibikha noted that he discussed with the German Foreign Minister the issue of attracting additional financial resources and expressed confidence that support for Ukraine from this country will continue and become even more significant.

The minister added that an important aspect of the negotiations was Ukraine’s integration into the EU and NATO.

“We appreciate Minister Baerbock's position on this path. Ukraine is ready to begin the first stage of negotiations on joining the EU. We are making efforts to ensure that this happens as soon as possible,” the head of Ukrainian diplomacy emphasized.

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As reported by Ukrinform, on April 1, outgoing German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Ukraine on a visit.

On March 21, the German Bundesrat backed constitutional amendments that would increase spending in three areas, including unlocking an additional €3 billion in military aid to Ukraine.