German foreign minister arrives in Kyiv ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day
Photo: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrived in Kyiv on the morning of Saturday, August 22. The visit comes ahead of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, according to Deutsche Welle.
According to Wadephul, he deliberately decided to visit Kyiv ahead of Independence Day to demonstrate Germany's support for Ukraine.
"I deliberately wanted to be here during the days when Ukraine is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its independence, to once again demonstrate Germany's continued support," he said.
The minister stressed that despite the holiday period in Europe, Ukraine continues to suffer from Russian attacks every day.
"People here suffer every day - and not only at night - from constant brutal Russian strikes, aimed primarily at the civilian population," Wadephul said.
He emphasized that Ukraine "continues to need support."
Germany prepares to help Ukraine ahead of winter
The German foreign minister separately emphasized the need to prepare Ukraine and its infrastructure for the coming winter in advance.
According to him, Russia primarily targeted Ukraine's critical infrastructure last winter. That is why Wadephul, together with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, appealed to a number of countries to help Ukraine prepare for the cold season.
"(Russian dictator Vladimir - ed.) Putin primarily targeted Ukraine's critical infrastructure, so together with my French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot, I wrote to many countries asking them to help and take appropriate measures so that Ukraine can get through the coming winter," he explained.
Wadephul urges Europe to maintain unity
The minister named a joint position among European countries on Russia's war against Ukraine as another key issue.
"In my view, it is important that Europe show in this situation that Putin will not achieve his goals here in Ukraine, and that we will continue to support Ukraine," Wadephul said.
He added that Europe is ready to support Ukraine in negotiations with Russia. At the same time, he believes that support for Kyiv must continue in order for such negotiations to begin.
The German minister also expressed confidence that Ukraine will withstand Russia's war. He stressed that Germany is currently Ukraine's most important ally in terms of bilateral military, political and economic support.
"And this will continue," Wadephul assured.
As previously reported, Germany has repeatedly refused to provide Ukraine with Taurus long-range missiles. In July, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that, in his opinion, Ukraine no longer needed these missiles.
He explained this by saying that Ukrainian forces are effectively striking Russian infrastructure using their own long-range capabilities, including drones.
