German foreign minister visits Kyiv after overnight Russian missile strikes

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrived at Kyiv's main railway station by special train on 22 August for a solidarity visit, just two days before Ukraine marks the 35th anniversary of its independence on 24 August.

The visit came after Russia struck Kyiv overnight between 21 and 22 August with ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones. A ballistic missile hit a railway facility in the capital's Darnytsia district, killing an employee of Ukraine's national railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia.

Wadephul strongly condemned the escalating Russian strikes, accusing Moscow of indiscriminately killing civilians and deliberately destroying energy infrastructure. He said Russia was attempting to deprive Ukraine's population of the means to survive and to break its will to resist.

The minister said the summer months of July and August have been the deadliest period for Ukrainian civilians in more than four years, adding that Russia has never before launched so many missiles against a neighbouring country.

Continued support pledged

Wadephul reaffirmed Germany's ongoing support for Ukraine and expressed hope that Russia could eventually be brought to the negotiating table. He pointed out that no other country provides as much military and financial assistance to Ukraine as Germany does.

This marks Wadephul's fourth trip to Ukraine since taking office 16 months ago. Following standard security practice, the visit was not announced beforehand, and his schedule in Kyiv has not been made public. Talks with Ukraine's leadership are expected to be the central focus of the trip.