The German government on Saturday stressed the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine as a prerequisite for a deal to end the war Russia started nearly three and a half years ago against Ukraine.
A negotiated solution would only be conceivable for Ukraine if it could be certain that its statehood and sovereignty would be effectively preserved, government sources said.
“Fine words are not enough, especially not fine words from the Russian side,” the sources added in a statement.
“What is needed is something material, tangible and concrete.”
The importance of effective security guarantees for Ukraine is also highlighted in a joint declaration on the Alaska summit from several European heads of state and government.
The declaration was also signed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
The statement originated from a German draft, according to sources in Berlin. The German government reportedly wants to ensure that Europeans remain closely coordinated and continue to stand firmly by Ukraine’s side.
“And that we maintain this balance with the United States – on the one hand, we want to safeguard our key security interests, and on the other hand, we want to do so in a way that is cooperative with the United States and keeps the US engaged,” the sources said.
Source: dpa
