German Foreign Minister Arrives in Kyiv on Solidarity Visit

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrived by special train at Kyiv's main railway station on Saturday, August 22, for a solidarity visit just days before Ukraine marks the 35th anniversary of its independence.

The minister sharply condemned Russia's escalating missile and drone strikes, accusing Moscow of the "indiscriminate killing" of civilians and the deliberate destruction of energy infrastructure. He said Russia is attempting to strip Ukraine's population of its means of survival and break its will to resist.

Deadliest summer in years

Wadephul noted that July and August have become the deadliest months for Ukrainian civilians in more than four years, stressing that Russia has never before launched so many missiles against a neighboring country.

Pledge of continued support

The German foreign minister pledged continued support for Ukraine and voiced hope that Russia could still be drawn into negotiations. He stated that no other country invests as much in military and financial support for Ukraine as Germany does.

This marks Wadephul's fourth visit to Ukraine since taking office 16 months ago. In line with established practice, the trip was not announced in advance for security reasons, and his schedule in Kyiv remains undisclosed, though talks with Ukrainian leadership are expected to be the main focus.

The German minister's arrival came after Russia struck Kyiv overnight into August 22 with ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones. Missiles hit a railway facility in the capital's Darnytsia district, killing an employee of Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia).