(25 Aug 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kyiv, Ukraine – 25 August 2025
1. Wide of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and officials ahead of meeting with German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and delegations
2. Zelenskyy greeting Klingbeil, posing for photos
3. SOUNDBITE (German) Lars Klingbeil, German Vice Chancellor:
"It was important that in the past few weeks, especially during the meeting in Washington, we, as the German government, sent a clear signal that we are taking the lead in Europe, that we are assuming leadership, and that we are making it very clear that we stand by Ukraine, our friends in Ukraine, and that there should be no negotiations conducted over Ukraine’s heads. I believe it has been successful, that the unity of the Europeans, the unity of the heads of state and government in Europe, together with you, Mr. President, have sent exactly this signal. The support continues. As finance minister, I have emphasized, and this has also happened with consensus in the federal government, that we will commit to supporting Ukraine with 9 billion (euros) each year in the coming years. This is an important contribution that Germany is making to support Ukraine. I have just had a very good conversation with the (Ukrainian) finance minister about how we can continue to support and what further possibilities exist. I am also eager, Mr. President, to hear your expectations regarding security guarantees, especially given the current situation. I would like to bring this into the German debate. However, I also believe, and this will be my final point here, that we must discuss what happens if (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin does not relent, if he wants to continue the war. And I tell you, despite all the euphoria and belief in peace talks, which is also becoming more prevalent among the German population, I believe we must seriously consider that Putin does not want a genuine peace. And in this case as well, the federal republic and the federal government stand firmly by the side of our Ukrainian friends. And that is exactly what we should discuss now."
4. Wide of Ukrainian and German officials during meeting
5. Klingbeil during meeting
6. SOUNDBITE (German) Lars Klingbeil, German Vice Chancellor:
"And I want to say once again for myself, we are at the beginning of the debate on security guarantees. I am glad that we can say we have come this far, that the Americans have now given a clear signal that they are also ready to provide security guarantees. And now it is about exploring this within the alliance, especially with our Ukrainian friends. What is the right approach? In the end, there must be a package that guarantees for Ukraine that Russia will not attack again, that Russia is afraid to attack Ukraine. We need to discuss this now. And I am not coming here with statements saying this is how we will do it; it must be developed together. I know it is also a major concern for the Chancellor that we discuss these issues. And what President Zelensky mentioned, the question of how we get a strong Ukrainian army, how we get strong Ukrainian arms production, these are two areas we will focus on very strongly. And all further questions will also be discussed and decided within the federal government at the right time. But in the end, there is a clear commitment, and I want to say this to the President once again. Germany will take responsibility for our Ukrainian friends because it is the right thing to do and because we are firmly convinced that our freedom and security are also being defended here."
7. Wide of Ukrainian flag
STORYLINE:
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/
You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/7a4f13b5e28048f1a6aed6fde52325c6
Author: AP Archive
Go to Source
News post in August 30, 2025, 9:05 pm.
Visit Our Sponsor’s:
News Post In – News
