The heavy Russia attacks at the start of this week once again demonstrated with horrific clarity how vital it is that Ukraine has a strong air defence. It is therefore clear that Germany and the EU will not falter in their comprehensive support for Ukraine. This year, too, Germany will supply new air defence systems, tanks and other material of crucial importance to Ukraine. At today’s informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, we will call for European support for Ukraine to be continued with due resolve. Furthermore, we are working hard to ensure that Ukraine can benefit as quickly as possible financially from the frozen Russian central bank assets in order to defend itself against the Russian attack. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Kuleba will also take part in the discussion and brief the EU Foreign Ministers on the situation in Ukraine and the country’s needs.

Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been the target of Russian attacks time and again. That is why we and our EU partners are doing everything we can to help safeguard Ukraine’s energy supply. The EU Foreign Ministers will also talk about possible sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet, which it uses to circumvent sanctions.

Situation in the Middle East

Together with their partners, Germany and the EU are utilising every possible option to ensure that a ceasefire is established in the Middle East at the earliest possible date to end the suffering inflicted on the civilian population. We expressly support the mediation efforts of the United States, Egypt and Qatar to bring about the release of the hostages. Improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which remains disastrous, is also particularly important to us: 90% of the population of the Gaza Strip is currently unable to return home as a result of the war. What is more, there is a looming health crisis due to outbreaks of polio. We are supporting the vaccine rollout, which is crucial if polio is to be contained.

Preventing further escalation in the region remains paramount. That is why we are seeking to bring our influence to bear on Iran, which plays a strategic role in the region. Should Iran provoke further escalation in the region, we will consider further sanctions together with our EU partners.

Exchange with the Turkish Foreign Minister

In politically challenging times, it is especially important to coordinate closely with strategic partners. The Turkish Foreign Minister will therefore be present at today’s informal Foreign Affairs Council for the first time in five years to talk about the situation in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Southern Caucasus. As a NATO member state, Turkey is a key interlocutor, especially regarding foreign and security policy questions but also when it comes to issues such as migration, energy and trade.

Concern following suspected election fraud in Venezuela

The EU member states are deeply concerned by reports suggesting that the Maduro regime is responsible for members of the opposition being persecuted and for people being arbitrarily arrested following the elections. The Foreign Ministers will therefore discuss the situation in Venezuela at today’s meeting. The EU member states are united in their refusal to recognise the election result, which is suspected of being based on election fraud, and are demanding that the voting records be published and that human rights and the freedom to demonstrate be respected.