Zelensky, Baerbock talk Russian aggression, Nord Stream 2
President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the security situation around Ukraine with Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock.
This was reported by the presidential press service on January 17, according to Ukrinform.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Head of State stressed the importance of this visit, in particular, against the background of the tense situation around Ukraine's borders.
The press service of the President’s Office noted that the security situation around Ukraine, the course of the peace process were discussed in detail. It was also stressed that restrictive measures, including preventive sanctions, could prevent further escalation of aggression.
Noting the unity of approaches to the peace process, in particular the cluster approach to the implementation of the Minsk agreements, the parties expressed hope that the next summit in the Normandy format will be held soon.
"Without achieving peace in Ukraine, there can be no discussion of European security," Volodymyr Zelensky said.
It is noted that during the meeting, considerable attention was paid to strengthening Ukraine's energy security. The President stressed that Nord Stream 2 is a geopolitical project and a weapon aimed both against our state and against the whole of Europe. It was jointly stated that the use of the project as a weapon will lead to tough response measures.
The interlocutors noted the common approaches of Ukraine and Germany to building cooperation in the energy sector, in particular on "green" transformation and renewable energy sources. It was noted that the practical implementation of common priorities will be facilitated by Germany's opening of an office in Kyiv for the implementation of Ukrainian-German projects in hydrogen energy.
The parties also stressed the need to jointly take concrete steps to strengthen Ukraine's energy security, including ensuring long-term gas transit through our country.
Special attention was paid to the issues of European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. The importance of consolidating the European perspective of our state was emphasized and the hope for appropriate support from Germany in this issue was expressed.
During the meeting, the parties also noted the symbolism of the fact that Annalena Baerbock's visit to Ukraine takes place on the day of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Germany.
President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock for her full solidarity with Ukraine.
"Monday. International meetings and strong support from our partners. I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Annalena Baerbock for full solidarity with Ukraine," Zelensky wrote on Instagram.
As Ukrinform reported, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was in Kyiv on January 17 ahead of her visit to Moscow on January 18.
Photo: Ukrainian President’s Office
im