LIVE – Ukraine: in kyiv, the head of German diplomacy tries as best she can to reassure

The head of German diplomacy Annalena Baerbock tried Monday in kyiv to reassure the Ukrainians, frustrated by the timidity of the Western reaction in the midst of a military escalation from Moscow, which received, according to kyiv, a reinforcement of 11,000 North Korean soldiers near the forehead. If the German minister reiterated her country's support for Ukraine, which has been facing the Russian invasion for almost three years, she did not publicly give concrete responses to kyiv's grievances.

This eighth trip by Ms. Baerbock to Ukraine since the start of the large-scale Russian attack comes at a critical time. The Ukrainian army, lacking men and ammunition, in particular due to delays in Western aid, has been retreating for months on the ground. According to kyiv and its allies, it must now also face North Korean soldiers.

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During a press conference with her Ukrainian counterpart Andriï Sybiga, Annalena Baerbock for her part only mentioned the military “aid” received by Moscow from North Korea, without further declarations. “I know how scary some of the debates in Germany seem in your countries”while “some of my compatriots doubt German support” to Ukraine, Ms. Baerbock admitted. “That’s why I repeat it very clearly (…) we stand firmly by your side as long as you need us”she emphasized.

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Germany is Ukraine's second largest provider of financial aid for defense after the United States, but kyiv is annoyed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's repeated refusal to support its NATO membership and deliver missiles long-range Taurus, for fear of an escalation of the conflict. On Monday, its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock, did not respond to this request from kyiv to authorize deep strikes in Russia with long-range weapons.