German Foreign Minister Wadephul makes unannounced visit to Kyiv, pledges continued support for Ukraine

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visits Ukraine. Ukrainian civil defense reports more casualties after the attack on a shopping center.

22 August 2026 | 8:50 AM

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) arrives at Kyiv train station on his trip to Ukraine. Photo: Michael Fischer/dpa

dpa — Shortly before the 35th Independence Day of Ukraine, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrived in Kyiv to assure the country of Germany's continued support in its defensive fight against Russia.

"We stand by Ukraine. We support it. It will win this military confrontation," the CDU politician said after arriving in Kyiv on a special train.

He pointed out that Ukraine had been attacked "most severely" by Russia in the summer months. Wadephul accused Moscow of "indiscriminate murder of civilians" and targeted destruction of energy infrastructure. Russia wants to destroy the livelihoods of people in Ukraine and thus break their will to persevere.

July and August were the deadliest for the Ukrainian civilian population in more than four years. "Never before did Russia fire more rockets at its neighboring country," said Wadephul. "We see the suffering, we see how this country has fought, and we will continue to support this country."

The Foreign Minister also promised Ukraine further aid with a view to winter, when increased attacks on energy infrastructure are expected. No country invests as much in military and financial support for Ukraine as Germany. The federal government hopes that Ukraine will be moved to negotiations through military pressure. Diplomatic efforts to end the war have recently stalled.

Wadephul sees "totalitarian oppression" in Russia

"That Ukraine has the longer breath with international support and that continuing the war will only lead Russia further into economic ruin is becoming clear to more and more people in Russia," said the Foreign Minister. "The increasingly confused propaganda and ever more totalitarian oppression at home are also a sign of the regime's weakness."

Wadephul is in the country for the fourth time since taking office 16 months ago. The visit was not publicly announced for security reasons, as usual. His program in Kyiv will also not be disclosed. However, talks with the Ukrainian leadership will be the focus.

Next Monday, 35 years ago, Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union. Around the anniversary, celebrations will take place, especially in the capital Kyiv.

War enters fifth year

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is already four and a half years old. Along the over 1,200-kilometer front line, there is little movement, but both sides are intensifying their air strikes on targets in the enemy's hinterland.

Ukrainian drone attacks are causing fuel supply bottlenecks in Russia. Warehouses of Russian mail-order companies and arms factories are also repeatedly targeted.

On the other hand, Ukrainian forces are largely helpless against ballistic missile attacks due to a lack of defensive means. Missiles strike warehouses, arms factories, and fuel depots unhindered, especially in and around the capital Kyiv.

Zelenskyy asks for Patriot missiles

But there are also increasing civilian casualties on both sides. Shortly before Wadephul's arrival, at least 16 people were killed and more than 130 injured in a Russian drone attack on a busy shopping center in the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, according to Ukrainian civil defense.

On Thursday, after massive attacks on Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urgently appealed to allies for support again. "Missiles for Patriots are needed; only our partners can provide them," he said in a video address. It is not about gifts, but about Ukraine's willingness to buy weapons. Patriot air defense systems are of US production but are widespread worldwide. Germany has also already delivered systems to Ukraine.