Germany's foreign minister arrives in Kyiv amid nighttime Russian missile attack

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrived in Kyiv on 22 August for a solidarity visit, just days before Ukraine marks the 35th anniversary of its independence on 24 August.

Source: dpa, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Wadephul arrived by special train at Kyiv's main railway station and condemned the escalation of Russian drone and missile strikes, accusing Moscow of "indiscriminate killings of civilians" and the deliberate destruction of energy infrastructure.

The German foreign minister said Russia was trying to deprive the Ukrainian population of the means to survive and break its will to resist.

He said that the summer months – July and August – have been the deadliest for Ukraine's civilian population in more than four years.

"Never before has Russia launched so many missiles at a neighbouring country," Wadephul stressed.

The minister pledged continued support for Ukraine, expressing hope that Russia could be brought to the negotiating table. He noted that no other country provides as much military and financial support to Ukraine as Germany.

This is Wadephul's fourth visit to Ukraine since he took office 16 months ago. In line with standard practice, the visit was not announced in advance for security reasons.

His schedule in Kyiv has also not been disclosed, although talks with the Ukrainian leadership are expected to be the main focus of the visit.

Background:

• The German minister arrived in the Ukrainian capital amid Russia's attack on Kyiv on the night of 21-22 August with ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones.
• Russian forces struck a railway facility in Kyiv's Darnytsia district with a ballistic missile on the night of 21-22 August, killing a Ukrzaliznytsia employee.

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