Arriving in Kyiv following weeks of intensified Russian missile and drone attacks that have killed dozens and damaged critical infrastructure, on Monday, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul pledged €2 billion ($2.3 billion) for air defense, warning that Russian talk of peace is “just a façade.”
“[Russian leader Vladimir] Putin wants to subjugate the whole of Ukraine and at the same time spread fear throughout Europe,” Wadephul said during a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha.
Wadephul said that military strength remains the only path to real negotiations.
“Peace will come when aggression is stopped. To do this, you must first have the ability to protect yourself, and that’s why we will continue to increase our military support,” he said.
He added that Germany has already earmarked nearly €2 billion for modern air defense systems and ammunition, and the total planned defense support for Ukraine in 2025 stands at €9 billion.
“Only when Russia understands that the calculation for conquest and submission will fail — only then will a real chance for negotiations appear,” Wadephul said.
The German minister and representatives from Germany’s defense industries are also expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss joint projects to boost Ukraine’s weapons production.
“We want to establish new joint ventures so that Ukraine can produce more for its own defense more quickly, because your needs are enormous,” Wadephul said.
Sybiha said Russia’s escalating attacks aim to “sow panic and influence the mood of our population,” adding that air defense remains a top priority. “We are grateful to our German friends for their unprecedented assistance in strengthening our air shield,” he said.
Wadephul’s visit signals Berlin’s effort to demonstrate long-term support for Ukraine as the country faces critical shortages of air defense systems and weapons amid Russia’s latest offensive.
Earlier on Monday, shortly after arriving in Kyiv, the German FM said that Putin has no interest in peace talks and instead wants Ukraine to surrender.
“Putin is not giving up on his maximalist demands – he doesn’t want negotiations, he wants capitulation,” Wadephul told reporters.
Wadephul also warned that Russia is “betting on a weakening of our support” and is determined to achieve “conquest and submission at any cost – even at the cost of hundreds of thousands of additional lives.”