Putin 鈥榩laying for time鈥�, says German FM in Kyiv

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is visiting Kyiv, above, for the first time since the re-election of US President Donald Trump, who has upended US-Europe relations by reaching out to Russia to seek an end to the conflict. (AFP)
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  • 鈥楿kraine is ready for an immediate ceasefire. It is Putin who is playing for time 鈥︹€�
  • 鈥楬e is feigning a willingness to negotiate, but not deviating an inch from his goals鈥�

KYIV: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of 鈥減laying for time鈥� in negotiations over the war in Ukraine as she arrived on a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday.
鈥淯kraine is ready for an immediate ceasefire. It is Putin who is playing for time, does not want peace and is continuing his war of aggression, which is a violation of international law,鈥� Baerbock said in a statement shared by her ministry.
鈥淗e is feigning a willingness to negotiate, but not deviating an inch from his goals,鈥� she said on her ninth visit to Ukraine since the start of the war.
On March 11, Ukraine, whose army is struggling on the frontline, and the United States agreed a plan for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia.
But Putin has rejected the US proposal and has upped his rhetoric on Moscow wanting to install new leadership in Ukraine.
Baerbock was visiting Kyiv for the first time since the re-election of US President Donald Trump, who has upended US-Europe relations by reaching out to Russia over European heads to seek an end to the conflict.
The shift in policy has sparked concern over the future of the NATO alliance and prompted Europe to focus on boosting its own defense capabilities and upping its support for Ukraine.
Germany in March approved three billion euros ($3.25 billion) in new military aid for Ukraine after adopting a major new spending package that eased its traditionally strict debt rules.
鈥淚n view of the deadlock between the United States and Russia, it is absolutely vital that we Europeans show that we stand by Ukraine鈥檚 side... and support it now more than ever,鈥� Baerbock said.
Commemorations were held in Ukraine on Monday in the city of Bucha, where Russia鈥檚 army is accused of murdering hundreds of civilians three years ago.