Putin wants war, not peace. He wants to destroy Ukraine – Steinmeier
Russia’s continuing war against Ukraine clearly shows that Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin does not want peace.
This was stated by German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at a meeting with foreign ambassadors at the Bellevue Palace on Thursday, Censor.NET reports with reference to Ukrinform.
"Putin wants war, not peace. He wants to destroy Ukraine," the German president emphasized.
He noted that in this second winter of war, when Ukraine is fighting against the Russian aggressor, the world is once again witnessing massive Russian attacks when it became clear again: Putin feels free to use any means that violate international law. He is not deterred by the fact that the strikes are against civilian targets, "on the contrary, these attacks are aimed at demoralizing" Ukrainians, the politician noted.
"Our solidarity with Kyiv is firm... We will also work at the European level to ensure that Ukraine continues to receive the necessary support," Steinmeier assured and reminded that Germany ranks second in the world in terms of assistance to Ukraine.
"You can rely on Germany - this is true, and it will continue to be so," the Head of State emphasized.
Steinmeier also noted that 2024 will be an important election year for many democracies, a year of testing for democracy itself. About half of the world's population will be invited to the polls in 2024, the German president said. He expressed his belief that democracies, especially in Europe, must show that they are strong and able to defend themselves; that they are stronger than the opponents of a united Europe; stronger than those who call for isolationism as a defense against global challenges.
Steinmeier promised that Germany would continue to pursue an active foreign policy, including many foreign visits.
Especially at a time like this, given Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the war in the Middle East, the fighting in Sudan and the Sahel and other crises, we need clear words, we need dialogue and exchanges, Steinmeier said, emphasizing the special role of diplomats in finding the right solutions.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Germany Oleksii Makeiev attended the reception in Bellevue.
