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“As long as you need us:” Foreign Minister Baerbock visits Ukraine on the anniversary of the start of Russia’s war of aggression
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba silently commemorate the victims of Russia’s attack against Ukraine at the Ukrainian Orthodox Transfiguration Cathedral in Soborna Square in Odesa., © Thomas Trutschel/photothek.de
For two years, Putin has been striving to break Ukraine with bombs. We as the international community have never been more united in standing alongside Ukraine. On the anniversary of the start of the war of aggression, there can only be one place for Foreign Minister Baerbock to visit.
Two years have gone by since the Russian tanks rolled towards Kyjiw from the east, north and south. For the people in Ukraine, the date is anything but abstract. It also represents 731 days of living in fear and desperation. Tens of thousands of civilians killed and thousands of Ukrainian children torn away from their families and homeland. During her visit, Foreign Minister Baerbock remembered the victims of Russia’s attack against Ukraine together with her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Odesa. And assured him of Germany's wholehearted solidarity and ongoing support. That is so important, because it has an impact.
A lifeline for global grain shipments
The port of Odesa is a lifeline, not only for Ukraine. From there, large amounts of grain are shipped throughout the world. When the Ukrainian army managed to drive back the Russian Black Sea Fleet, it was possible to establish a safe corridor for shipping in order to continue to supply the poorest people in the world with the grain they so urgently need.
The Russian army continues to target the strategically important Black Sea port from the air. Only a few months ago, more than one thousand tons of grain were destroyed in a missile attack. Foreign Minister Baerbock went to see the port facility together with her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba. Germany is providing federal guarantees for the largest freight terminal – this is the second largest German investment in Ukraine. Likewise, our support with air defence is protecting the people and also helps ensure that the ports, which are of such crucial importance, can continue to operate despite the constant Russian bombardment.
From self-propelled howitzers to water purification: Germany’s support has an impact
Not only is Germany supporting Ukraine in a military capacity – with self-propelled howitzers and battle tanks, right up to the air-defence system Iris-T. We are also increasing our humanitarian assistance for the people in Ukraine again by more than one hundred million euro to one billion euro in total since the start of Russia’s war of aggression. In the city of Mykolaiv, Foreign Minister Baerbock talked to residents about their situation and life in the midst of war. The city used to be the most important centre of education and art in southern Ukraine, with more than 50 cultural institutions. Mykolaiv now lies only a few kilometres from the frontline. It was the Ukrainian army and not least the people of Mykolaiv who resolutely stood up to Russia’s aggression for many months and prevented their city from being captured.
The ongoing Russian attacks primarily target the country’s infrastructure, particularly power and water supplies. On 8 April 2022, cluster bombs hit Mykolaiv, severely damaging the main water supply. Foreign Minister Baerbock also visited a water desalination plant from Germany. It is operated by solar power and can therefore draw water from the nearby Black Sea to supply the population independently. The facility is also an example of the contribution that many German enterprises, in cooperation with the Federal Government, are making in Ukraine.