German Foreign Minister "Reopening Kyiv Embassy... Escaping Dependence on Russian Energy"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Ukraine and announced plans to break free from energy dependence on Russia and to reopen her country's embassy in Kyiv.

According to the Associated Press on the 10th (local time), Minister Baerbock visited Kyiv that day and, after holding talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, stated at a press conference, "Our goal is to reduce energy imports from Russia to 'zero' and maintain that status permanently." This remark is interpreted as signaling a more proactive stance regarding the increasingly debated EU sanctions on Russian oil and natural gas.

Minister Baerbock emphasized that Germany, following the United States and the United Kingdom, will also resume operations of its embassy in Kyiv. She visited the German embassy in Kyiv that day, raised the German flag, and stressed that diplomats will soon be redeployed. She also reaffirmed Germany's policy of providing weapons support, including 12 howitzers.

Minister Kuleba responded, "We appreciate Germany's change of position on several issues," adding, "Germany stepping up for Ukraine's peace and territorial defense will be an important historical turning point."

Afterward, Minister Baerbock visited Bucha, a city where Russian forces are suspected of committing war crimes involving civilian massacres. Meeting with local residents, she stated, "Unimaginable and horrific crimes occurred in Bucha," emphasizing, "We must not stop at mourning the victims but hold the perpetrators accountable."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.