Ukraine and Germany discuss the need for a “strong response” to the presence of North Korean troops during Foreign Minister Baerbock’s visit to Kyiv

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect details of the negotiations between Kyiv and Berlin.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Bärbock arrived in Kyiv on November 4 in a show of support for the besieged country, marking her eighth visit to Ukraine.

“We are countering this cruelty with our humanity and support so that Ukrainians can not only survive the winter, but so that their country can survive,” Burbock said upon arrival, according to the report. Reuters.

During the visit, the German minister met with her Ukrainian counterpart Andrei Sibiga and President Vladimir Zelensky.

Following the meeting, Sibikha said delegations discussed the “need for decisive action” in response to the presence North Korean troops located along the eastern front of Ukraine.

“We call on Europe to realize that North Korean troops are now waging an aggressive war in Europe against a sovereign European state,” Sibiha told reporters after the meeting, referring to North Korea by the acronym representing its official name.

Earlier in the day, Zelensky said that North Korea had already deployed 11 thousand military personnel in the Kursk region of Russia.

“We see an increase in the number of North Koreans and do not see an increase in the reaction of our partners,” Zelensky said in his evening address.

Baerbock’s visit comes as Ukraine braces for what may be the harshest winter of the war.

The Ukrainian energy system was heavily damaged during massive Russian air raids in the autumn-winter period of 2022-2023. spring and summer 2024. Fresh attacks impacts to infrastructure are expected as temperatures drop.

Germany played a key role in providing energy support to Ukraine and strengthening the country’s economic potential. air defense further attacks had to be repelled.

Berlin has allocated an additional 170 million euros ($185 million) to develop Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Baerbock said.

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