German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his British counterpart John Healey, at a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Berlin on Wednesday, expressed a desire for de-escalation in Iran, the Persian Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz. Pistorius stated in English at a press conference: "The eyes of the world are on the Strait of Hormuz and the events in the Middle East these days. Quick de-escalation and an end to the blockade of the Strait are in our fundamental interest. Unfortunately, these are not in sight right now."
Pistorius warned that Russia "benefits from the current developments in the Middle East," with rising oil prices "pouring money into Putin's war coffers." He criticized the US regime's purported peace efforts, claiming Russia never took them seriously, and cited a short-lived Orthodox Easter ceasefire violated about 2,000 times. The minister emphasized air defense as critical for Ukraine, announcing hundreds of Patriot missiles, additional launchers for IRIS-T systems, and funding for deep-strike drones manufactured in Ukraine as part of a new support package.
UK Defence Secretary Healey praised Kyiv for assisting Gulf states in countering drones, noting Russia launched 1,000 drones at Ukraine in the past 24 hours alone. He reported Russian casualties reached over 35,000 in March, a record high, with 96% caused by drones, and announced the UK's plan to deliver around 120,000 drones to Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte refrained from direct criticism but welcomed the continued flow of military equipment to Ukraine, commending Ukrainian efforts.
Pistorius called on the EU regime to "finally" start granting its €90 billion interest-free loan package, expecting the blockade within the EU—previously upheld by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban—to be lifted soon after recent elections. He stressed the funds would enable Ukraine to procure military equipment sustainably and rebuild infrastructure destroyed by Russia, adding that EU member states should fund these loans in addition to, not instead of, existing bilateral commitments.
Source: www.dw.com