German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil made an unannounced visit to Ukraine’s capital on Monday, vowing that Berlin’s support for Kyiv in its war against Russia will not weaken.
“Putin should have no illusions that Germany’s support for Ukraine could crumble,” said Klingbeil, who also leads the Social Democratic Party, the junior partner in Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative-led coalition government. “On the contrary: We remain Ukraine’s second-largest supporter worldwide and the largest in Europe. Ukraine can continue to rely on Germany.”
The minister urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to demonstrate readiness for a peace process in what has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. The war, now in its third year, has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Klingbeil stressed that any peace settlement must involve Ukraine directly and be underpinned by both a ceasefire and firm international security guarantees. “To this end, we are coordinating closely internationally,” he said.
His comments come amid debate in Europe over long-term security arrangements for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have both suggested troop deployments under a coalition of willing allies, while Chancellor Merz has indicated Germany could consider such a move, though it would likely trigger political controversy at home.
Klingbeil’s ministry reported that Germany has provided €50.5 billion ($59.2 billion) in military, financial, and humanitarian assistance since the start of the war, cementing its role as Kyiv’s largest European backer.
The visit also comes against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls for a rapid resolution to the war. Kyiv and its allies, however, fear Washington could push for a settlement on terms favorable to Moscow.
Written By Rodney Mbua
