German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of “playing for time” in talks over the war in Ukraine after arriving in Kiev on Tuesday. “Ukraine is ready for an immediate ceasefire. Putin is playing for time, does not want peace and continues his war of aggression in violation of international law,” Baerbock said in a statement shared by his ministry.
“He is showing a willingness to negotiate but will not budge an inch from his goals,” Baerbock said on her ninth visit to Ukraine since the war began. On March 11, the Ukrainian army, which is fighting on the front line, and the United States agreed to a 30-day ceasefire plan with Russia. But Putin has rejected the American offer and has stepped up his rhetoric about Moscow’s desire to install new leadership in Ukraine.
Baerbock is visiting Kiev for the first time since the re-election of US President Donald Trump, who has strained US-European relations by reaching out to European leaders to end the conflict. The change in policy has raised concerns about the future of the NATO alliance and prompted Europe to focus on boosting its own defense capabilities and increasing its support for Ukraine.
Germany approved three billion euros ($3.25 billion) in new military aid to Ukraine in March after adopting a major new spending package that eased traditionally strict debt rules. “Given the standoff between the United States and Russia, it is extremely important that we Europeans show that we stand by Ukraine… and support it more than ever,” Baerbock said.
A memorial service was held on Monday in the Ukrainian town of Bucha, where Russian troops are accused of killing hundreds of civilians three years ago.
