Germany aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and adds the following remarks in its national capacity.

As the cold winter months in Ukraine are approaching, Russian missile attacks are increasingly directed against energy infrastructure leading to blackouts throughout the entire country. This is a cynical modus operandi we have already witnessed last winter – leaving Ukrainians without shelter against the cold, and without means to take care of their daily basic needs, such as cooking.

It is therefore of utmost importance to unwaveringly continue with support for Ukraine, especially with regard to the “winterization plan”. We urge the international community to unite all efforts in supporting Ukrainians to make it through this most demanding time.

This year, Germany has already allocated more than 2.5 billion Euros in humanitarian aid worldwide. 377.5 million Euros of this money went to Ukraine and neighbouring countries. Additional 19.8 million Euros are made available in the context of Mine Action, and another 6.1 million Euros reach Ukraine in the framework of international disaster relief funds. Additionally, we have already announced to increase our humanitarian funding by 20 million Euros for the Ukraine Winter Response Plan.

Besides this, Germany hosts the largest number of Ukrainian citizens fleeing from Russia’s war of aggression from their home country. Currently, 3.3 million refugees are residing in Germany, with almost 1.2 million originating from Ukraine.

While Ukrainians are suffering day-in, day-out, we must not forget the heavy burden of Russia’s war on the most vulnerable around the world. Russia’s unilateral suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia´s destruction of Ukrainian grain stocks and Russia´s attacks on export infrastructure have a considerable negative impact on global food security, hitting first and foremost developing countries. We, once again, join the SG and others who have called upon the Russian Federation to resume the Black Sea Grain Initiative that has enabled the export of around 32 million tons of urgently needed food stuff to world markets. Jointly, we need to stand up for unimpeded Ukrainian grain exports, and for the free passage of civilian ships in the Black Sea.

To lift this burden and to finally end the immense suffering stemming from Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine, we once again call on Russia to immediately and unconditionally cease all its military operations against its neighbor, and to withdraw its troops from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.