Surprising trip: coalition tips together on a visit to the solidarity in Kyiv

Persistent support for the Ukraine and strengthening the team spirit in the black and red coalition: These two goals were behind the joint journey of the Bundestag faction leader Jens Spahn (CDU/CSU) and Matthias Miersch (SPD). The visit is “a good sign for Ukraine, but also a good sign of the determination of the coalition,” said Spahn. Miersch spoke of a “sign of support and solidarity in these difficult times”.

Selenskyj thanks Germany for air defense

The two spoke in Kiev with parliamentarians, Ukrainian air defense soldiers, representatives of civil society and were received by the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj. In view of the massive Russian drone and rocket attacks, he thanked the parliamentary group leaders, especially for German support in air defense. “It’s about the lives of our people,” he said.

First Ukraine visit in this format

The visit of the coalition tips in the Bundestag is a novelty: Although members of different coalition parties were together in Kiev, but not at the level of the parliamentary group leader. It is the first visit to the Ukraine for both Spahn and Miersch.

The parliament plays a crucial role in supporting the country, which was attacked three and a half years ago by Russia. He approves budget for the support of Ukraine and would have the last word if it were about the posting of German soldiers after a ceasefire. The federal government has not yet positioned itself clearly.

Miersch to Bundeswehr deployment: “We don’t rule out anything”

Spahn emphasized that the best security guarantee for Ukraine was a well -equipped Ukrainian army. “No other army can do what the Ukrainian army can do.” That is why it must be equipped as best as possible. A debate about everything that goes beyond is premature. This was also emphasized by Miersch – he also said to a possible posting of Bundeswehr soldiers: “We do not rule out anything.”

Visit to German soldiers on the way to Kyiv

Like all foreign visitors, Spahn and Miersch drove from Poland to Kiev because of the blocking of the airspace. On the way, the two visited the airport in Rzeszow Bundeswehr soldiers in Poland who protect the airport with two patriot air defense systems, which is the most important transshipment point for the supply of Ukraine with western weapons. Nowhere else are Bundeswehr soldiers so close to the war. The airfield is about 60 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

After arriving in Kiev, the two of the fallen soldiers thought and then visited the suburb of Bubscha, which was occupied by Russian troops from the end of February to the end of March 2022. After the withdrawal, civilians were found on the streets. According to Ukrainian information, more than 450 civilians are said to have been killed by the occupation troops during the occupation period. Russia still contests this to this day.

Raket strikes in the center of Kyiv

In Kiev, both watched the consequences of the youngest Russian air raids with drones and rockets last week. Two marching aircraft were hit in a house in the city center. As a result of the explosions, the nearby buildings of the representation of the European Union and the British Cultural Institute British Council were affected. Miersch, who has never been in a war zone before, said before the ruins, here it shows how important German support is, especially with air defense.

Spahn and Miersch tie on the coalition exam

The coalition peaks follow with their joint visit to the closed conference of the two parliamentary groups at the end of last week, in which a new beginning of black and red was conjured up after bumpy first 100 days. At the end of the conference, Miersch had said that something had “grown” between him and Spahn, and you could “really get something good together”. The journey together, which was already caught in May, is now said to be a symbol for it.

In Würzburg, the Union and SPD had highlighted the importance of the Ukraine war for the security of Europe. “We will do everything so that Ukraine can defend itself against Russia and negotiate from a position of strength,” said an explanation.

New sanctions against Russia: “All options on the table”

The hope of serious negotiations has disappeared in the past two weeks since Trump’s meeting with Putin. The prospect of Putin and Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj did not come about. The Europeans want to react with new sanctions.

Spahn and Miersch were open to also take into account the frozen Russian fortune. “If someone brutally attacks their neighboring country, wants to shift borders again, murders, rape, (…) Then it must have consequences,” said Spahn. “In this respect, a discussion is needed whether and how these frozen assets can also be used for all legal concerns.” Miersch referred to the ongoing talks between the Europeans about further sanctions against Russia and said: “In this respect, all options are on the table.”

Fat -frozen assets of more than 200 billion euros

According to earlier commission information, around 210 billion euros of the Russian central bank are frozen in the EU, with the majority being kept by the EuroClear financial institution based in Brussels. To use the Russian central bank funds directly by an expropriation decision is skeptically seen by many in the EU. Legal concerns and probable retaliation measures are the reason. In addition, direct use of Russian assets could also lead to other states and investors lose confidence in the European financial center and deduct assets from the EU.