“If you look at Russia, they have failed every strategic objective they set for themselves,” Kaschke said at the 18th Kyiv Security Forum on April 23.
“That applies to the first days, the past four years and especially last winter, when they tried to break the resilience of the Ukrainian people.”
Kaschke said Ukraine has stood firm, calling that endurance “a light at the end of the tunnel.” He credited Ukraine’s achievements to “the courage of the Ukrainian people” and unified international support.
He also noted a shift from simply providing Ukraine with what it needs to building a partnership with Kyiv.
“Now we’re seeing the reverse process,” the general said.
“We want to develop our partnership and our relations with the great Ukrainian people to the level of a strategic partnership.”
Kaschke urged allies to focus on positive momentum and a strategic vision in supporting Ukraine. He said NATO countries must continue to build their own capabilities because “the strength of the Alliance comes from the strength of its member states.”
He added that Germany will continue to stand with Ukraine.
“I would say on behalf of Germany: absolutely; we will be
there, we are committed to this cause and want to develop it further,” he said.