German Defense Minister Arrives in Kyiv to Discuss Military Aid and Support for Ukraine
Boris Pistorius, the German Minister of Defense, arrived in Kyiv on Thursday, June 12, to engage in critical discussions with Ukrainian officials on enhancing military assistance to Ukraine underscoring Germany’s unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to confront Russia’s aggression.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Tagesschau and Welt.
Ahead of his arrival, Minister Pistorius reaffirmed Germany's commitment to Ukraine’s defense efforts, stating, “We are doing everything possible to ensure that Ukraine is not only able to defend itself but also to position itself strategically when Russia is ready for meaningful negotiations.”
Upon reaching Kyiv, Pistorius condemned the recent surge in Russian airstrikes, which he described as “extraordinarily brutal and menacing.”
The attacks, including a significant increase in cruise missile strikes and drone assaults, have predominantly targeted Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
“This is a clear indication from Moscow: there is no interest in peaceful resolution, only relentless aggression. These strikes are becoming increasingly focused on civilian areas,” he asserted, speaking to the press at Kyiv’s central railway station.
The German defense minister’s visit comes in the wake of a controversial document signed by over 100 members of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD).
The manifesto calls for a shift in Germany’s security and defense policies, advocating for negotiations with Russia and opposing the deployment of new U.S. intermediate-range missiles in Germany.
Pistorius, however, sharply criticized the manifesto, claiming that its authors, in their pursuit of peace, are ignoring the current realities of the situation.
As The Gaze reported earlier, on May 28, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin that his country would expand its military aid to Ukraine.