Steinmeier: Germany will not forget Ukraine
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has warned that the war in Ukraine is losing the focus of public attention. "Ukraine needs our support all the more now that war is also raging in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine is no longer receiving the attention it so urgently needs. Putin's calculation is that the world should forget about Ukraine," said Steinmeier at the German-Ukrainian municipal partnership conference in Leipzig on Wednesday. Germany must not and will not do the Russian president this favor. "We will not get used to Russia's unlawful and inhumane war of aggression," said Steinmeier.
Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022. War has been raging there ever since. According to Steinmeier, this war does not differentiate between metropolitan areas, cities and villages. "It affects everyone in Ukraine." That is why it is important that there is support not only between governments, but also between cities and municipalities. "There is no more long-term, no more sustainable support than these ties between the people in our two countries."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also present at the conference on Wednesday. He emphasized that it was not only Ukraine that was under threat from the Russian regime; his country's neighbouring countries were also in danger. The cities in Germany and Ukraine have a European attitude towards people. Their relationship protects human lives. "It is very important that we don't just use the instruments that the state has," said Selenskyj.
Leipzig, the host city of the conference, has been twinned with the Ukrainian capital Kiev for 62 years. According to the Office of the Federal President, it is the oldest German-Ukrainian city partnership. Kiev's mayor, former professional boxer Vitali Klitschko, was therefore also a guest at the conference. German support is vital for Ukraine, said the 52-year-old. "Together we are much stronger." Ukraine is also fighting for democratic values and its democratic future, said Klitschko.
Federal Development Minister Svenja Schulze emphasized in a welcoming address that the commitment of the municipalities is still overwhelming today. "Municipalities will play a decisive role in the reconstruction of Ukraine," said the SPD politician. Germany will continue to help as long as it is necessary.
Despite the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, German President Steinmeier underscores the importance of not forgetting the ongoing unlawful and inhumane war of aggression in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for continued support from municipalities worldwide. It's crucial for cities and municipalities in Germany and Ukraine to maintain their strong ties, as they contribute substantially to the protection of human lives and the fight for democratic values and Ukraine's democratic future.
Source: www.dpa.com
