Foreign Office of Federal Republic of Germany : Statement by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock prior to her departure for Kyiv and Moscow

It is essential for diplomacy that we understand the other party's point of view, even when our own opinion is sometimes the polar opposite. That is what makes inaugural visits like these ones important, particularly in such difficult times. I will listen very closely to my interlocutors in both Moscow and Kyiv. But I will also set out in no uncertain terms the position that we share within the EU, the G7 and the transatlantic alliance.

We are willing to engage in a serious dialogue on mutual agreements and steps that will bring more security for everyone in Europe, including Russia. But we cannot and will not make any concessions on the fundamental principles of the Helsinki Final Act, which have protected Europe from the nightmare of a major war for the last fifty years. These include territorial integrity, the right to choose one's own alliances and the renunciation of the threat of force as a political instrument. And we are resolved to respond if Russia instead takes the path of escalation.

I want to explore on the ground whether there is a willingness to reach solutions via diplomatic channels - primarily, to revitalise the Normandy format and finally make progress on the implementation of the Minsk agreements.

In Kyiv, I want to make it clear that we will not be holding talks about Ukraine without including Ukraine. And the new Federal Government will not just be continuing our previous efforts - today's thirtieth anniversary of our diplomatic relations is a good opportunity for an update. For me, that means not least contributing to strengthening Ukraine's potential. I therefore want to talk about initiatives for the sustainable modernisation of the Ukrainian energy sector, about the development of the green hydrogen market and offers of support with cyber defence.

During my talks in Moscow, I will also focus on staking out our position. The new Federal Government wants substantial and stable relations with Russia. The list of contentious issues that we must discuss is a long one. In recent times, these issues have cast an increasingly dark shadow over the opportunities for cooperation that will benefit the people of both our countries. In science and culture, on trade and investment, on renewable energies, in the fight against the climate crisis, which is having an increasing impact in Russia as elsewhere. Civil society cooperation is particularly important to us. I want to discuss these opportunities, too, with my Russian counterpart - as well as how we can create the conditions needed to better utilise them.