Berlin (dpa-AFX)-In view of the negotiations between Russia and the United States, the federal government is on the independence of the attacked country over the end of the Ukraine war. “It is crucial that the sovereignty of Ukraine is maintained and that Ukraine has to decide what is important for it. No peacekeeping without the consent of Ukraine,” said deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann in Berlin. She referred to corresponding statements by Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj.
Russia calls for a waiver of Ukraine to the Crimea peninsula and four other regions – as a way to close peace in the war that Moscow has been leading against the neighboring country for more than three years. Selenskyj categorically excluded territory to Russia, referring to the constitution of his country.
Berlin to Putin: Consist unconditional ceasefire
The federal government generally welcomed the current talks between the USA and Russia. “But it is also clear to us that this cannot be a dictation peace at the expense of Ukraine,” emphasized Hoffmann. Ukraine will continue to need strong armed forces in the future. “This is the most important security guarantee that Ukraine can have, and it will be very crucial even after a peace.” In addition, the path to the European Union for Ukraine must continue to be open in the future.
The Russian President Vladimir Putin “shouldn’t get through with his aggression towards Ukraine,” emphasized Hoffmann. “Peace efforts would be credible if he initially agrees to an unconditional ceasefire. That is what has to happen first.”/BK/DP/JHA