Former German Defence Minister and current Chair of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, recently visited Ukraine for the Black Sea Security Forum 2026, where prominent security and foreign policy experts gathered to discuss the security challenges facing the Black Sea region, which Russia continues to use as a tool of military, economic, and political pressure.

During her first-ever visit to Ukraine, Kramp-Karrenbauer spoke with Ukrinform about the prospects for ending the war, Europe’s role in supporting Kyiv, and Ukraine’s path toward European integration. She also addressed the issues of long-term military and financial assistance, the potential use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction, and the reforms required for the country’s accession to the European Union.

MORE PRESSURE MUST BE BROUGHT TO BEAR ON PUTIN

UkrInform (UI): This is your first visit to Ukraine. Could you share your impressions?

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (AKK): It is indeed my first visit to Ukraine, and I would describe it as a deeply moving experience. What strikes you is the contrast between two realities. On the one hand, life goes on: people carry on with remarkable composure despite everything happening around them. On the other hand, they live under the constant threat of war.

UI: What impressed you the most?

AKK: First and foremost, I was struck by the energy of the people. Secondly, by Ukrainians’ zest for life, and thirdly, by their resilience. And, of course, Odesa is an exceptionally beautiful city, especially in good weather.

UI: Back in 2021, you warned that Russia posed a threat to European security. Why do you think world leaders did not take those warnings seriously enough?

AKK: The mood at the time was very different, and I do not think many people could imagine that Putin would launch an invasion of Ukraine on the scale we witnessed in February 2022. Perhaps my warning was not taken seriously because many believed that dictators and authoritarian leaders do not necessarily mean what they say. What we have learned, however, is that such leaders often do exactly what they openly declare they intend to do.

UI: Do you believe a lasting peace is possible with the current Russian regime?

AKK: I believe much stronger pressure must be brought to bear on Putin if he is to become more willing to engage in meaningful negotiations. As for whether a future successor might pursue a different course, that is difficult to predict. At present, I see no indication that such a change is on the horizon.

UI: You have argued for increasing pressure on Russia. What form should that take—tougher economic sanctions or stronger military capabilities for Ukraine?

AKK: We must do everything we can to strengthen Ukraine, because a stronger Ukraine means a weaker Russia. That requires sustained financial support over the coming years, as well as access to weapons systems that Ukraine does not currently possess. At the same time, we need to reduce the revenue streams that sustain Putin’s regime. Ukraine has also demonstrated a remarkable ability to disrupt and destroy Russian logistical networks, and it should continue to build on that success.

EUROPE STANDS WITH UKRAINE

UI: Some argue that Europe has been too slow in making decisions regarding Ukraine. How do you respond to that criticism?

AKK: The European Union is a community of 27 member states, and major decisions require unanimous approval. Reaching consensus among so many countries is inherently challenging and takes time. Nevertheless, over the past several years, Europe has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to Ukraine. Many European nations—and Germany in particular—have provided Ukraine with extensive support and continue to stand firmly by its side.

UI: In your view, can a just peace for Ukraine be achieved through negotiations, or must victory first be secured on the battlefield?

AKK: First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that Ukraine has consistently expressed its readiness to engage in negotiations, while Putin has shown little interest in doing so. In that sense, the military dimension remains important because it may be necessary to create the conditions for meaningful talks. Ultimately, however, any lasting settlement will have to be formalized at the negotiating table.

UI: There is already considerable discussion about Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. What role could the Konrad Adenauer Foundation play in that process?

AKK: The Foundation can contribute by supporting Ukraine’s democratic development. Ukrainians have consistently shown that they regard themselves as an integral part of the European community, most notably during the Maidan protests. We therefore have a responsibility to do everything we can to help ensure that Ukraine becomes a full member of the European community. One way we do this is by supporting the reforms that are essential for Ukraine’s European integration.

TACKLING CORRUPTION REMAINS UKRAINE’S KEY CHALLENGE

UI: How realistic is Ukraine’s accession to the European Union in the coming years?

AKK: EU accession is a lengthy process, and a final decision cannot be reached overnight. We all know that time matters. The sooner both sides complete their respective “homework,” the sooner Ukraine can become a member of the European Union. Ukraine’s task is to continue implementing the necessary reforms, while the European Union must complete its internal discussions and decisions regarding Ukraine’s accession.

We are, of course, fully aware of the difficulties involved in carrying out such reforms while the country is at war.

UI: What reforms does Ukraine need to focus on most urgently?

AKK: The criteria for EU membership are clearly defined and apply equally to all candidate countries. In Ukraine’s case, the most important areas are strengthening the rule of law and tackling corruption. If I had to identify a single priority, it would be the fight against corruption.

UI: Returning to the issue of post-war reconstruction, how realistic is the prospect of using frozen Russian assets to help rebuild Ukraine?

AKK: I am deeply involved in efforts to ensure that these assets can be used for Ukraine’s reconstruction. The central challenge is a legal one. Together with international legal experts, we are working to identify viable legal mechanisms that would allow these assets to be used in a manner that is fully consistent with international law.

This is by no means an easy issue, but we are committed to finding a solution. We remain confident that this goal can be achieved. If we did not believe that, we would have given up long ago. Ukraine has shown us, however, that giving up is simply not an option.

UI: The Konrad Adenauer Foundation was designated an undesirable organization in Russia in 2024. What was behind that decision??

AKK: Not quite. We left Russia the day after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began— not because we were forced out, but because we chose to do so. We closed both of our offices in Russia before the authorities designated us as a foreign agent. It became clear to us that there was no longer any point in operating in such an environment. The official ban came later.

LEADERSHIP REQUIRES TRUST AND OPEN COMMUNICATION

UI: You were the first woman to serve as Minister-President of Saarland, chaired Germany’s Christian Democratic Union, and later served as Germany’s Minister of Defense. Which role did you find the most rewarding?

AKK: That is a very difficult question because each position was rewarding in its own way. I always enjoyed working with people and collaborating across different institutions and government bodies. That said, my time at the Ministry of Defense was truly exceptional. It was a fascinating responsibility. At the same time, I am very happy in my current role as Chair of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

UI: What qualities are needed to succeed in such demanding leadership roles?

AKK: Above all, Leadership requires both the willingness and the ability to lead. In other words, it is about being a leader. For me, the key was always building trusting relationships with my team. My colleagues knew that they were expected to give their best, but they also understood that mistakes are inevitable—we all make them. When trust exists, it creates the foundation for open and honest communication.

UI: You are the mother of three — two sons and a daughter. How have you managed to balance family life and a demanding career?

AKK: It has never been easy, but fortunately I have a wonderful husband, and together we have managed to make it work.

UI: Finally, what would you like to say to the people of Ukraine?

AKK: I wish all Ukrainians an early end to the war and the swift arrival of a just and lasting peace.

Background

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, KAS) is a German political foundation and policy institute affiliated with the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU). It was founded in 1956 under the name Society for Christian Democratic Civic Education and was renamed in 1964 in honor of Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Guided by the principles of liberal democracy and the social market economy, the Foundation supports political, economic, and social development projects in more than 120 countries worldwide.

The Foundation opened its representative office in Ukraine in 1994.

Hanna Bodrova led this conversation, Odesa

Photos by Nina Liashonok

The conversation is given here translated from Ukrainian