Before departing for an informal Baltic Sea Council meeting in Warsaw, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. “The greatest security challenge for Europe remains Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine” he said on Wednesday, emphasizing that Germany’s priority is to continue backing Ukraine.
Wadephul noted that Ukraine has endured its harshest winter since the start of the Russian invasion and is now in urgent need of assistance. “We will stand by Ukraine in their fight for peace and freedom” he told his Ukrainian interlocutor on Monday. “This is the core of our security policy. Today we will discuss how we can further strengthen Ukraine”.
He added that Europe must do more to help Ukraine, especially regarding its aspiration to join the European Union. In the short term, it is vital to release the €90 billion already earmarked by the EU without delay. Wadephul criticized the blockages that have slowed this aid and said he would address the issue with fellow ministers in Warsaw.