German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil visited Kyiv to discuss Germany's support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of reliable security guarantees to ensure lasting peace, with a focus on Ukraine's safety from future attacks.

Klingbeil stated that negotiations cannot proceed without Ukrainian participation and called for a ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties from Russian attacks.

Germany remains undecided on military participation in security guarantees but continues to assert its leadership role in supporting Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has called for quick negotiations and security guarantees, including foreign troop deployment after a ceasefire, while NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg demands robust Western security assurances.

Recent discussions highlight Ukraine's desire for foreign troop presence, but Russia opposes stationing foreign forces and has dismissed recent diplomatic efforts, reducing hopes for an imminent peace summit.

Efforts for peace are further complicated by Russia's refusal to hold an immediate summit with Kyiv, with Moscow indicating that any meeting would require thorough preparation and conditions favoring Ukraine's capitulation.

Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, insist on Ukraine's neutrality and territorial concessions as conditions for peace, while Russia opposes ceasefire proposals and veto rights over security measures.

Ukrainian forces have reported successes in recapturing territory in Donetsk and pushing Russian troops out of Nowomychajlowka, though these claims lack independent verification.

A prisoner exchange facilitated by the UAE saw Russia and Ukraine exchange 146 prisoners each, along with releases of civilians and journalists, marking a rare tangible diplomatic success.

Ukraine's financial needs are substantial, with an estimated requirement of nearly 38.5 billion euros for 2026, and total foreign aid since the war's start exceeding 118 billion euros.

Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, Germany has provided approximately 50.5 billion euros in support to Ukraine, including military, civilian, refugee, and budget aid.

Ukraine emphasizes the importance of strengthening its military and increasing arms production to enable self-defense and deterrence amid ongoing conflict.