Kiev (Ukraine), 30 June (LaPresse/AP) – Germany intends to help Ukraine produce more weapons quickly, while Kiev seeks to strengthen its negotiating position in peace talks with Russia to end the war that has been going on for over three years. This was reported by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul during his visit to Kiev, accompanied by representatives of the German defence industry. ‘Our task is to help Ukraine so that it can negotiate from a position of strength,’ he said. ‘We want to create new joint ventures so that Ukraine can produce more quickly and in greater quantities for its own defence, because your needs are enormous,’ Wadephul said alongside Sybiha. International peace efforts led by the United States have failed to make progress in stopping the fighting. Russian President Vladimir Putin has effectively rejected a ceasefire and has not changed his war aims. ‘When Putin talks about peace today, it is pure mockery,’ Wadephul said at a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. ‘His apparent willingness to negotiate is just a facade for now,’ he added.
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