German FM arrives in Kyiv on solidarity visit

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrived in Kyiv on Saturday, August 22, for a solidarity visit to Ukraine, days before the country marks the 35th anniversary of its independence.

Wadephul arrived by special train at Kyiv’s main railway station, where he condemned the recent escalation in Russian drone and missile attacks. He accused Moscow of “indiscriminate killing of civilians” and deliberately targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Wadephul said Russia was seeking to deprive Ukrainians of their means of subsistence and break their will to resist.

According to the minister, July and August have been the deadliest summer months for Ukrainian civilians in more than four years.

“Never before has Russia launched so many missiles at a neighbouring country,” Wadephul said.

He pledged that Germany would continue supporting Ukraine and expressed hope that Russia could ultimately be brought into negotiations. Wadephul also said that no other country provides Ukraine with as much military and financial support as Germany.

The visit is Wadephul’s fourth to Ukraine since he took office 16 months ago. As is customary for security reasons, his trip was not announced beforehand.

His schedule in Kyiv has not been made public. Talks with Ukrainian officials are expected to be the main focus of the visit.

By Tamilla Hasanova