German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul Warns of Russia’s Threat to Germany’s Peace and Freedom
In a stern warning, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has cautioned against underestimating the threat posed by Russia. “Russia directly threatens our life in peace and freedom in Germany” the CDU politician told the Funke Media Group’s Sunday editions.
Wadephul emphasized that investments in defense and support for Ukraine are crucial for a future in peace. He praised the NATO decisions made in the Hague, which aim to increase defense spending to five percent of the country’s economic output, as “right and necessary.” The Christian Democrat also reiterated that “Russia’s attack on Ukraine remains the greatest threat to security in Europe and the most important topic of German foreign policy.”
Prominent Social Democrats have, in a manifesto, called for a departure from the policy of rearmament and diplomatic talks with Russia. The debate on Germany’s approach to Moscow is also set to intensify at the SPD party convention this weekend.
Wadephul responded to the Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions, saying that the latter’s indiscriminate bombing is an attack on the moral of the Ukrainian people. “Ukraine’s freedom is the most important test of our steadfastness as Europeans” the foreign minister emphasized.