German FM Wadephul in Kyiv: 'Ukraine Will Win'

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrived in Kyiv by special train on Saturday morning ahead of Ukraine's 35th Independence Day, which falls on Monday, August 25. He reaffirmed Germany's steadfast support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, declaring that Ukraine "will win this military confrontation."

Russia's Deadliest Summer in Four Years

Wadephul accused Moscow of "indiscriminate murder of civilians" and deliberately targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. He said July and August 2026 had been the deadliest months for Ukrainian civilians in more than four years, with Russia firing more rockets than at any prior point in the war. "We see the suffering, we see how this country is fighting, and we will continue to support it," he said.

Winter Aid and Diplomatic Efforts

The minister pledged concrete winter assistance, including generators and spare parts to protect critical energy infrastructure ahead of the anticipated heating season attacks. He also said Germany would coordinate closely with France and the United Kingdom, and that he would speak with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio next week on further diplomatic efforts toward peace. Air raid sirens sounded during an event at which Wadephul met Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, as Russia struck the Boryspil suburb east of Kyiv with ballistic missiles. This was Wadephul's fourth visit to Ukraine in his 16 months in office.