German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said on Monday that Berlin will participate in providing security guarantees for Ukraine alongside European partners, emphasizing that any decisions must be led by Kyiv. Speaking in Ukraine’s capital during his first visit, Klingbeil stressed that strengthening the Ukrainian army and boosting domestic arms production are key to deterring Russian attacks, Reuters reported.

He noted that negotiations must begin with a ceasefire and cautioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to show willingness for serious peace talks. Klingbeil’s remarks come amid US calls for a quick resolution to the conflict, which Kyiv and its allies fear could favor Russian terms.