Why did Ukraine refuse the German president’s visit to Kiev?

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A visit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, was canceled because he was not welcomed by the Ukrainian side.

During his current visit to the Polish capital, Warsaw, Steinmeier said on Tuesday that Polish President Andrzej Duda had suggested that they both go to Kiev with the leaders of the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia). Order to send and send a strong signal of common European solidarity with Ukraine. “

Steinmeier added: “I was prepared for this, but as I have noticed – in Kiev it does not seem desirable.” The Bild newspaper first reported that the visit had been canceled.

Steinmeier admitted wrongdoing in Russian policy last week when he was foreign minister. Steinmeier was twice Secretary of State during the tenure of former President Angela Merkel, the last of which was from 2013 to 2017, before which he was the CEO of former President Heckhard Schrder.

During this time, Germany sought talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and maintained close ties with the energy sector. Steinmeier also supported the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, which was heavily criticized by Ukraine.

Referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Steinmeier added: “In my view, one thing is clear: under Putin it is not possible to return to normal relations with Russia.” “The world knows the Russian war crimes in Ukraine,” said the German president. These crimes must be documented and the perpetrators and those responsible must be held politically accountable.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany Andrei Melnik told the German News Agency (DPA) earlier this week that Ukraine was waiting for President Olaf Scholes’ visit rather than Steinmeier’s, and that the German president’s visit was a sign of things to come. The symbolic nature is only, “He’s good to be coming.” The chancellor or other members of the German government are making firm decisions about further substantial support for Ukraine. “

Ukraine has asked Germany to supply heavy weapons such as tanks and artillery.

Steinmeier pointed out that he had planned to leave for Ukraine only last Friday, and added, “Of course I’m wondering when is the perfect time for my next visit to Kiev.” However, these plans no longer exist.

This is despite the fact that many senior Western politicians have met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zhelensky in Kiev; The leaders of Poland, Britain, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Slovakia, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, visited Kiev last Friday.

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