Speaking on the station platform, Wadephul said Berlin would remain “firmly at Ukraine’s side,” pledging more humanitarian aid, economic assistance, modern air-defence systems and other weapons.
He accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of seeking to subjugate Ukraine through “brutal bombardment” but praised Ukrainians for their “remarkable courage, strength and endurance” in resisting the invasion. Kyiv, Wadephul added, has repeatedly shown readiness for genuine peace talks, yet Moscow refuses to drop its ultimatums.
“As long as that does not change, we will keep restricting the Kremlin’s ability to finance this criminal war,” the minister said, noting that Germany is coordinating new sanctions with the EU and G7 partners.
Wadephul’s visit follows the May reshuffle that installed Merz as chancellor, retained Boris Pistorius at defence and moved Wadephul into the foreign-affairs post. The minister has previously charged Putin with sabotaging direct negotiations aimed at ending the war.
