German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil has undertaken a day-long visit to Ukraine, arriving Monday for discussions focused on potential future peace negotiations. Prior to his arrival, Klingbeil stated the trip, conducted in close coordination with the German Chancellor, aims to explore how Germany can best support Ukraine should a peace process materialize.
Klingbeil emphasized the necessity of a genuine commitment to just peace from Russia, adding that President Vladimir Putin should not harbor any misconceptions regarding the solidity of German support for Ukraine. He affirmed Germany remains the second-largest global supporter of Ukraine and the largest within Europe.
Consistent with standard protocol for such visits, the trip was not publicly announced in advance due to security considerations. During his time in Kyiv, Klingbeil is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko and reports indicate a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also planned.
