Ukrainian → English transcript

And in this context I want to say very clearly: of course, the war can be ended only with Ukraine's unconditional consent.

Wars cannot be ended by great powers over the heads of the countries that have suffered.

And this is a war that can be ended only with Ukraine's consent and with the consent of Europe.

Because this is a war on the European continent. And depending on how this war ends, it will affect Europe's security.

If Ukraine loses this war and possibly breaks apart, it will affect all European politics and the entire European continent.

And that is exactly why we are so involved, because if there is a chance to achieve peace, it will also affect the whole European continent.

We are aware of this responsibility. Personally, I am actively engaged in these negotiations.

You know that last night, before my departure, I had a lengthy phone conversation with President Trump.

I made this position clear to him. I also reminded him how Russia behaved regarding the Budapest Memorandum, where Russia had already made commitments to Ukraine.

At that time Ukraine gave up a large arsenal of weapons, including nuclear weapons, and in return received Russia's promise to respect the country's territorial integrity.

Russia did not uphold that, so other security guarantees must now be provided. We need to reach new, more reliable agreements.

And again, as Europeans, and as Germans, we are ready to take part in this process. We are at the very center of events, and in my view there is now a chance to stop this war.

But we are still quite far from a common, positive outcome. Thank you sincerely. Thank you very much.