May 21, 2024
Baerbock says situation in Ukraine has ‘worsened dramatically’
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday morning for an unannounced visit in a show of support for Ukraine.
In Kyiv, she called for increased international support for Ukraine’s air defense amid the ongoing Russian offensive.
“To protect Ukraine from the hail of Russian missiles and drones, it urgently needs more air defense,” she said, urging Kyiv’s allies to “join forces.” The trip had not been announced for security reasons.
Baerbock had to cancel a planned visit to Kharkiv due to the ongoing Russian attacks on the city amid a new offensive.
“Russian missile terror, constant air raids, permanent power cuts, hardly any water: the situation in Ukraine has worsened dramatically with the massive Russian airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, and the brutal Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, Baerbock said.
Baerbock also warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin needs to be prevented by Ukraine and its allies from sending troops to “our own borders.”
She said a German-led initiative aimed at building up Ukraine’s air defenses has raised almost €1 billion ($1.09 billion) while trying to raise “even more.”
“We are turning over every stone several times and have even gone ahead with an additional Patriot unit.”
For months now, shortages of equipment, ammunition, and soldiers have put Ukraine at a disadvantage as the war continues for a third year.
ss/rmt (dpa, AFP, AP, Reuters)
