Social Democrats (SPD) parliamentary group leader Rolf Mitchenich is calling for more diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, while promising further support to Kiev.

“The German government must take a new diplomatic initiative in 2024 and hold talks with China and countries of the Global South much more extensively than before,” suggests Mr Mitschenich, whose remarks are published today in the Rheinische Post.

“India, Brazil, Indonesia certainly can have influence on (current Russian president) Vladimir Putin. This influence must be exploited”, suggests the head of the SPD’s KO.

All political leaders must be made aware that this war cannot be ended on the battlefield, says Rolf Mitchenich, warning that Russia will use all the means at its disposal to avoid defeat.

“President Putin has been able to continue the war of attrition for far too long. It is therefore necessary for us to support Ukraine in its defense with all the means at our disposal for as long as necessary”, he adds, however.