Germany is pressing for security guarantees for Ukraine amid a stalemate in peace negotiations.
Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil reaffirms that Germany is willing to assume responsibilities to ensure stability in Eastern Europe.
247 - German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil is in Kyiv to discuss Berlin's role in a possible peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, reports the French newspaper Le Figaro. Upon his arrival in the Ukrainian capital, Klingbeil stressed that the German government demands "reliable security guarantees" to ensure lasting peace in the region.
According to the source, the Social Democrat stated that he was acting in unison with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and stressed that Germany must "assume its responsibilities" in the face of the challenge of consolidating a political solution to the conflict. Klingbeil advocated for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized that negotiations on security guarantees between Europe and the United States are still facing difficulties.
Berlin demands a leading role for Europe.
In an official statement, the Deputy Chancellor said: “In close cooperation with the Federal Chancellor, I am seeking to determine how Germany can best support Ukraine in a possible peace process.” He added that the guarantees need to be solid and effective: “It is essential that they ensure a lasting peace for Ukraine.”
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was in Washington last week meeting with US President Donald Trump and European leaders, stressed that Europe's role in defining these guarantees is "absolutely clear," signaling Berlin's intention to play a more prominent role. Despite this, Merz still avoids directly answering whether the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces, could have a military presence on Ukrainian territory.
