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Remembrance and unwavering support: Foreign Minister Wadephul travels to Ukraine for an informal meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers
Foreign Minister Wadephul and the EU Foreign Ministers in Bucha © Photothek Media Lab
Foreign Minister Wadephul is taking part in today’s informal meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers in Bucha and Kyiv. Read on to find out more.
The town of Bucha is a symbol of Russian atrocities and the cruelty that Putin’s illegal war of aggression has brought upon Ukraine. But it also stands for hope – hope for liberation and an end to Russia’s imperial fantasies.
When the Ukrainian army recaptured this suburb of the capital Kyiv four years ago, they were met with scenes of horror: hundreds of dead civilians, some in mass graves, others left behind on the streets, in houses and in backyards. Survivors of the month-long occupation told of executions, rapes and torture.
To mark the anniversary of the liberation of Bucha from Russian occupation, the EU Foreign Ministers are meeting in this very place to send a clear message.
Bucha stands as a symbol of countless other Russian war crimes. The massacres of Izyum, the bombing of the Kramatorsk railway station, the siege of Mariupol – wherever Putin’s Russia goes, murder and barbarism ensue. But Bucha also stands for the strength of the Ukrainian army in recapturing large swathes of territory, as well as for the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people. For their right to a future in peace and freedom, free from Russian oppression.
– Foreign Minister Wadephul on his arrival in Ukraine
Crimes will not go unpunished
The German Government is helping Ukraine to establish structures to ensure that those responsible for crimes are held accountable. This includes, for example, the creation of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. It also involves the establishment of the Claims Commission, which is intended to ensure that Russia pays for concrete war damage in Ukraine. Germany is a founding member. Germany is also helping to ensure that these crimes do not go unpunished by deploying experts to assist in the preservation of evidence and investigations.
Today’s meeting also sends a clear signal to Russia that those responsible for this war and the crimes that have been committed must not go unpunished – we owe this to the victims and to their families and friends. That is why the Federal Government is supporting Ukraine in gathering evidence and documenting Russia’s crimes.
– Foreign Minister Wadephul on his arrival in Ukraine
Ukraine remains a foreign policy priority in Europe
Ukraine is part of our European family. By fighting for security and freedom in their country, the people of Ukraine are also defending our security. The meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Bucha and Kyiv underscores that Ukraine remains our top security priority in Europe. We stand shoulder to shoulder with this country under attack and will continue to do everything we can to support Ukraine, including on its path towards EU membership. At the same time, we must keep up the pressure on Russia. After all, what strengthens Ukraine also protects Europe.
You can find more information on Germany’s support for Ukraine here.