In Ukraine, German foreign minister slams Russia’s escalating attacks
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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (left) and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visiting a memorial site for fallen Ukrainian servicemen and international volunteers in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Aug 22.
PHOTO: EPA
- Germany’s foreign minister criticised Russia for escalating attacks and pledged €60 million in aid to support Ukraine’s humanitarian needs and defence against drones.
- Russian bombardments have increased civilian casualties in Ukraine, with 2026 seeing the highest death toll since the war started.
- Peace efforts are stalled, with Ukraine urging stronger US involvement and more air defence support amid ongoing conflict and winter preparations.
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KYIV – Germany’s foreign minister on Aug 22 sharply criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin for stepping up his “brutal war of aggression” in Ukraine and pledged more aid for Kyiv.
Johann Wadephul’s comments, during a visit to the Ukrainian capital, came a day after a Russian drone attack on a busy shopping centre in eastern Ukraine killed at least 16 people.
“Russia’s brutal war of aggression... has in no way abated,” Wadephul told a press conference alongside his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha.
“On the contrary, Putin has even increased the intensity of his war. He is deliberately terrorising civilians, attacking civilian infrastructure with rockets and swarms of drones.”
Russia has intensified its bombardments of Ukrainian cities, with the UN reporting that the civilian death toll in 2026 has risen to its highest level since the first months of the war.
“I want to emphasise once again here: the people of Ukraine have our full support. Germany stands behind Ukraine,” Wadephul said.
He announced an additional €50 million (S$74 million) in humanitarian aid for Ukraine, which will go to UN agencies and NGOs that focus on supporting people in areas close to the front lines.
Germany will also pay a further €10 million into a NATO fund that provides financing to bolster Ukraine’s energy networks and systems for defending against drones, Wadephul said.
Wadephul also held talks with Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, with the Ukrainian President saying the pair discussed air defence and preparations ahead of winter, when Russia is expected to renew its relentless attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid.
Peace efforts stalled
Ukraine has been appealing for its allies to help boost its air defences. In particular, it is suffering from a shortage of Patriot interceptors since the United States went to war with Iran in February, diverting supplies of the systems.
Wadephul said he had been holding talks with European countries on this issue, and planned to discuss it with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio next week.
In talks with his US counterpart, he would also address stalled efforts towards ending the war, which started in 2022.
Wadephul said he was counting on “the United States to remain willing to play an active role here”.
Sybiha said peace efforts were “currently on hold”, adding: “We need more active involvement from the American side.”
“Without the US, it is unrealistic to achieve progress or a just peace in this situation.” AFP
