Mr President,

Once again, we gather here as Ministers to discuss the unprovoked, unjustified, illegal and utterly brutal war of aggression that Russia is waging against Ukraine.
As well as Russia’s campaign of hybrid warfare.
Since the last High-Level Week, two things have changed.
But not for the better.

First, Russia has intensified its brutal war of aggression.
A few weeks ago, I was in Ukraine.
I travelled to Kharkiv, where air raid sirens sound every hour. And yet, the people – the brave women and men of Ukraine – continue to live their lives as best they can.
I was in Kyiv, where residents are now essentially living on the front-line, as missiles and drones rain down on them day and night, attacking ever more civilian targets.
In the fifth year of the war, Russia’s goal remains to break Ukraine’s resistance.
But the will of the Ukrainian people to defend their freedom is unbreakable. And so is our support in their defence.

The second thing that has changed is this:
Russia’s hybrid attacks against those who support Ukraine, support international law, have reached a new level.
On the 4th of August, Russia attempted to blow up two cargo planes at Leipzig airport using a drone rigged with explosives.
This is not an isolated example of Russia’s reckless and dangerous escalation in Europe.

And we must not forget that the consequences of this war are being felt around the world.
Ukraine had a very good grain harvest this year. But because of the Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports, it can’t be delivered to the world. Russia is thereby exacerbating hunger and starvation worldwide.

Let us finally escape this spiral of destruction and violence.

I am convinced that this is possible.
First, we need a full and immediate ceasefire, starting in the Black Sea, to secure the vital flow of grain and food.
Second, we need a comprehensive exchange of prisoners of war to bring home those who have suffered long enough.
And third, we need a return to negotiations in good faith based on the principles of international law, paving the way for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

Ukraine has been ready for such negotiations for a long time.
But Russia continues to refuse – failing to live up to its responsibility as a permanent member of the Security Council.
Ukraine is ready.
We Europeans are ready.
And Germany stands ready to contribute to the peaceful outcome we urgently need.