Ukrainian FM criticizes Germany's Russia policy

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has criticized Germany for its long-standing Russia policy, reported dpa.

During an appearance on a political talk show by German public broadcaster ARD on Sunday evening, Kuleba charged that Germany had actually contributed to Russia's current position.

Ukraine was hopeful that because of this, Berlin would now also do enough to stop Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine, Kuleba asserted.

Calling Germany and Ukraine "partner countries," Kuleba said he hoped Germany would help Ukraine get all necessary weapons it needs to defend itself, help punish Russia with tougher sanctions and support Ukraine with its request to become a member of the European Union.

The foreign minister acknowledged that EU accession can be a lengthy process, but insisted that Ukraine belongs to Europe, adding that with Ukraine, Europe would be safer.

Membership of the bloc tends to be a lengthy, technical and politically fraught process, during which countries have to align with EU rules and values.

Kuleba, who also commended Germany for some tough decisions in the early days of Russia's war on Ukraine, said that he understood that policy changes do not come easily in the country. For years, he said, people had relied on dialogue.

But he noted that now the world was seeing the true face of Russia. Ukrainians were paying the price now, their children being killed and their cities razed to the ground, he said.

He called on Germany to admit that it made a mistake and to course correct.

Kuleba also warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin must be stopped because Ukraine would not be his last target.