Baerbock: Ukraine Needs Military Demining Assistance in Counteroffensive
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock informed journalists on Tuesday that Ukraine has approached Western partners for equipment assistance to navigate through minefields laid by Russian occupying forces during its counteroffensive, as reported by DW.
"Russian military has laid an extensive mine belt in southeastern Ukraine, currently impeding Ukrainian soldiers," stated the German Foreign Minister.
Berbock referred to Kyiv's requests for equipment to aid in crossing these minefields, speaking during a press conference in Berlin alongside her Estonian counterpart, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
"We are currently discussing ways to fulfil this request, not only independently but also in cooperation with other partners," mentioned the German Foreign Minister.
She highlighted that the mined Ukrainian territories cover an area nearly equal to the size of Western Germany.
Baerbock also endorsed drone strikes on military targets in Russia, asserting that Kyiv's actions are within the boundaries of international law.
"Russia attacked Ukraine, and consequently Ukraine holds the right, established in the UN Charter, to defend its nation and its people," Baerbock noted.
When addressing questions about recent drone attacks on Moscow, she stated, "Russia breached the prohibition of employing force in the UN Charter. Russia continuously bombards civilian targets in Ukraine, targeting rocket attacks on agricultural ports, hospitals, and churches. Ukraine is defending itself in accordance with international law."
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna also expressed support for Ukraine's counteroffensive, underscoring that Kyiv's military activities are conducted within the framework of international law.
"Russia is responsible for instigating war. Russia bears responsibility for initiating genocide. Russia bears responsibility for all its actions in Ukraine," he expressed.
"We must repel Russia back to Russia. To achieve this, we need to utilize all possible means," he added.
Recalling, earlier this summer, Ukraine commenced its long-anticipated counteroffensive, aiming to regain its territories presently under Russian occupation.