KYIV, June 9 – Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba asked Germany to reconsider support for Nord Stream 2 as it potentially threatens Ukraine’s energy security, and asked Bundestag to recognize that famine in Ukraine in 1932-1933 was an act of genocide by the Soviet regime.

Kuleba traveled to Germany for high-level talks with German officials amid growing concerns that Russia will be able to complete its Nord Stream 2 pipeline to Germany that will bypass Ukraine, and to discuss a range of other issues.

Kuleba said Nord Stream 2 not only undermines the energy security of Ukraine and Europe, but also splits allies, so Ukraine continues to oppose its launch.

"I had difficult negotiations on Nord Stream 2 and the Normandy format. In both cases, the rule applies: nothing is finally agreed until everything is agreed. But the atmosphere was constructive. Germany is a friend that helped Ukraine a lot, and with which even the most difficult problems can be solved," Kuleba said.

Kuleba held seven meetings with top German officials, including Bundestag President Wolfgang Schäuble, Vice-Chancellor, Federal Minister of Finance Olaf Scholz, Foreign Policy Advisor to Federal Chancellor Jan Hecker, Chairmen of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs and EU Committees Norbert Röttgen and Gunther Krichbaum.

"The European future of Ukraine was the key topic of the minister's talks with President of the Bundestag Wolfgang Schäuble, chairmen of the Bundestag Committee on Foreign Affairs and EU Affairs Norbert Röttgen and Gunther Krichbaum," a statement published on Tuesday evening reads.

Kuleba focused on countering threats from the Russian Federation and the importance of the key German political parties taking into account Ukraine's interests in their electoral programs and the future coalition agreement.

Kuleba asked Wolfgang Schäuble to personally facilitate the Bundestag's recognition of the Holodomor as an act of genocide against the Ukrainian people in 1932-1933 by the Soviet regime.

Kuleba also discussed further financial and technical assistance in the reform process in Ukraine at a meeting with Vice-Chancellor, Federal Minister of Finance of Germany Scholz. (if/ez)