Important to step up fight against corruption in Ukraine - German FM

MOSCOW. Sept 12 (Interfax) - German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who arrived in Kiev on Monday, underscored the importance of intensifying the crackdown on corruption in Ukraine as the country seeks to become a member of the European Union, Ukrainian media said.

"One of the important topics is Ukraine's accession to the EU. Now we are talking about the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. It is very important. Ukraine has already made significant headway on its path toward accession, in particular in the issue of legislation. But it is highly important to step up the fight against corruption. Successes have already been scored here as well. The Higher Anti-Corruption Court has started to work, and 100 people have already appeared before it," Baerbock said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba in Kiev.

She also reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine's membership in the EU.

As reported earlier, Baerbock had met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. They discussed the military assistance that Ukraine needs and exchanged views on the process of the country's integration with Europe, the Ukrainian side said.