German FM: Europe to back Ukraine by all means

Germany's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, has reaffirmed Berlin's unwavering commitment to Ukraine during his first official visit to Poland.

Speaking on the sidelines of a European Union foreign ministers' meeting in Warsaw on May 8, Wadephul emphasised that Germany and Europe will continue to support Ukraine "by all means", Caliber.Az reports via German media. 

"We are doing what is necessary, and we will do it for as long as necessary until Russia realises that this war has to stop. We must come to the negotiating table and quickly and consistently implement a ceasefire," he noted. 

He added that Moscow must understand that Germany is a force to be reckoned with, reinforcing his government's resolve to maintain pressure on Russia.

Addressing the issue of defence financing and potential joint EU borrowing, Wadephul stressed the urgency of increasing support for Ukraine.

“There are different ways to do this,” he said. “But the most important thing is that funds are allocated to support Ukraine.”

He pointed out that Germany has taken significant steps to meet this challenge, including amending its constitution to unlock new funding for defence initiatives. These resources, he said, will support European security and be channelled into joint defence projects, particularly those involving German-French cooperation.

Since taking office, Wadephul has emerged as one of Germany’s strongest advocates for Ukraine. He has pushed for more decisive military aid, including the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv.

“We must not hesitate another second,” he recently told Tagesspiegel, arguing that delays and hesitations have only emboldened Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

By Sabina Mammadli