German Ambassador in Kyiv: Daily life as resistance; hopes for fast EU accession unrealistic
German Ambassador to Ukraine Heiko Thoms says Ukrainians' daily routine has become a conscious act of resistance against Russian aggression, while tempering expectations for EU membership by 2027 without deep reforms.
During a walk through Kyiv, German Ambassador Heiko Thoms discussed how daily life has become a deliberate act of resistance against Russian aggression. He recalled the harshest winter in decades, with weeks of double-digit subzero temperatures, systematic attacks on energy infrastructure, and the constant drone of generators. Instead of breaking morale, these war crimes strengthened the will to resist.
Thoms highlighted the immense psychological and physical strain on his Ukrainian staff, but also noted Ukraine's rapid military and technological transformation from a security consumer to an innovation hub. Drone regiments, attacks on Russian supply lines, and advancing the "kill zone" show that Kyiv is seizing the momentum.
Despite military successes and initial concrete talks, Thoms warned against unrealistic expectations for Ukraine's EU accession by 2027. He demanded deep reforms in rule of law and anti-corruption. Thoms also cautioned Germany to learn from Ukraine's resilience and innovation potential before facing a similar crisis itself.
