Germany’s FM Says Abandoning Ukraine Could Trigger Russia Attack
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul cautioned that withdrawal of support for Kyiv carries direct security implications for Berlin during an interview with public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk. Despite transatlantic tensions, Wadephul expressed confidence in Washington's commitment to NATO and collective defense principles binding European allies. He pushed back against claims that Europeans hold no influence in ceasefire negotiations.
"Our steadfastness and our resolve to stand by Ukraine are independent factors that we do not make dependent on others. If this goes wrong, if it fails in Ukraine, we would be next. That is why we will give our full commitment to Ukraine," he stated.
Wadephul emphasized that Moscow must recognize Germany and Europe's unwavering solidarity with Ukraine.
"We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that Ukraine is in an optimal negotiating position and, in the event of failure, that it has all the necessary means to continue to respond to this war of aggression," the minister declared.
Russia must make next move in ceasefire talks
Wadephul asserted that Moscow bears responsibility for advancing ceasefire discussions following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's signals about potentially abandoning NATO aspirations in return for security assurances and negotiations anchored to existing battle lines.
"If those are Ukraine's offers, then that is a line that Russia can agree to," he said.
Ukrainian-American negotiations launched in Berlin Sunday as high-level consultations regarding a potential war resolution continued into the evening.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the American delegation headed by special envoy Steve Witkoff plan to sustain intensive discussions.
Zelenskyy will meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Monday afternoon. Evening proceedings will feature a European summit with attendees including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Thursday brings an EU summit to determine deployment of frozen Russian state assets for Ukraine's benefit.
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