German foreign minister condemns Russia's intensified strikes during Kyiv visit
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephel arrived in Kyiv, denouncing Russia's heightened drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure as Ukraine prepares for its 35th independence day.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephel reached Kyiv on Saturday, using the trip to highlight Berlin’s ongoing backing for Ukraine amid a surge in Russian drone and missile strikes. He criticized the attacks as deliberately aimed at civilian utilities such as electricity and heating, noting that the past two months have seen the highest civilian casualties in more than four years. The assaults killed at least two people in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia, adding to earlier strikes that killed 16 in the capital and 15 in a shopping centre in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown.
Wadephel pledged further German military and financial assistance, stating that Germany invests more in Ukraine than any other nation. He voiced optimism that Russia could be drawn back to the negotiating table, even as diplomatic efforts have stalled. The visit coincides with Ukraine’s upcoming 35th independence anniversary, marking the fifth year of the ongoing conflict.
Why it matters
The visit underscores Germany’s commitment to Ukraine as Russian attacks intensify ahead of a symbolic national holiday.
How this story developed
- Aug 11 Zelenskiy says Ukraine submitted peace proposals to US negotiators amid looming Russian election
- Aug 17 The Supreme Court confirmed the ban on Yabloko’s participation in the September parliamentary vote.
- Aug 18 Moscow warned London it would face consequences after reports that British-built drones were employed by Ukraine to strike targets deep inside Russia.
- Aug 18 Russian missiles struck a sports centre in Kyiv, killing a border officer and injuring over 100 people.
- Aug 19 President Zelenskyy appointed Yevhenii Khmara as acting defence minister after Fedorov’s removal.
- Aug 20 Russian ballistic missiles hit Kyiv early Thursday, killing at least three people and wounding around 20, while also causing power outages.
- Aug 20 Parliament approved Yevhenii Khmara as defence minister.
- Aug 20 Parliament approved Yevhenii Khmara as defence minister and protests over Fedorov’s election call dwindled to a few dozen participants.
- Aug 21 A chief economist at a major state bank was dismissed after warning about the war’s economic costs.
- Aug 21 The United Kingdom announced a plan to supply 150,000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2026.
- Aug 21 Two people were killed and 15 injured when a Russian strike hit a crowded shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, officials said.
- Aug 21 New reports indicate the death toll in Kyiv may be as high as fifteen and note Ukraine’s shortage of Patriot interceptors.
- Aug 21 Ukraine reported shooting down or suppressing 107 of 135 Russian drones launched overnight.
- Aug 22 Death toll increased to 16 and injuries exceeded 130, with five children among those in serious condition.
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