German Foreign Minister Baerbock's Kyiv Visit: Measures Against Nord Stream 2 and Relaunch of Normandy Format

Meanwhile, Germany is not yet ready to provide Ukraine with defensive weapons, and negotiations continue.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Kyiv and met with representatives of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission.

Measures Against Nord Stream 2

At a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv, Baerbock said Germany was ready to impose measures against the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in case Russia further escalates its actions against Ukraine.

Annalena Baerbock
German Foreign Minister

As the new German government, we have clearly stated in our coalition agreement that energy policy projects in Germany must comply with European law. This also applies to Nord Stream 2. At present, this project does not fully comply with European law, which is why the certification process has currently been halted. At the same time, this project also has geostrategic consequences for us.

The minister recalled that Berlin and Washington have issued a joint statement on this project.

“If Russia further escalates, we, together with our partners, will take appropriate measures,” the head of German diplomacy said.

Weapons

Meanwhile, in Kyiv Baerbock said the German government's position on arms supplies remains unchanged.

“What I said two weeks and several months ago remains unchanged. The German government's position on arms exports is known,” she said.

Baerbock recalled that Germany supports Ukraine in many areas and stressed that Berlin will do everything to prevent the crisis from escalating and to use all diplomatic opportunities.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he had discussed the issue of arms supplies with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, and that dialogue on this issue will continue.

Dmytro Kuleba
Foreign Minister of Ukraine

We discussed arms supplies to Ukraine from Germany. I presented the arguments and position of the Ukrainian side. But we want the diplomatic track to work, so that efforts in the Normandy format produce results. We know where and what weapons we can get. We know very well how to use them to defend our territory. Our dialogue with Germany on this issue will also continue.

Relaunching the Normandy Format

During the visit, Baerbock confirmed that any new Russian aggression against Ukraine will come at a high price.

Annalena Baerbock
German Foreign Minister

Our message, which I also want to emphasize here in Kyiv, is solidarity. European solidarity regarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. For us, and for me personally, this is not up for discussion. Every new aggression, as we have repeatedly emphasized, will come at a high price.

She also added that Germany and Europe are ready for frank dialogue with Russia, since diplomacy is the only possible way to defuse the currently extremely dangerous situation.

She also stated that no country has the right to determine for another state which direction it should take, what relations it should have, or which alliances it should join.

Annalena Baerbock
German Foreign Minister

I said clearly today: we do not talk about Ukraine without Ukraine. That is why, after I took office, we have already held two phone calls (with Minister Kuleba — ed.), within NATO we closely coordinate our actions with Ukraine, which is why Josep Borrell was here, and that is why I am here today.