German Foreign Minister Johann Faddeev arrived in Ukraine on a visit of solidarity ahead of the commemoration of the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian independence. This is his fourth visit since taking office 16 months ago.
After arriving by special train at Kiev station, Faddeev condemned the intensification of Russian drone and missile attacks, accusing Moscow of "indiscriminately killing civilians" and deliberately destroying energy infrastructure. The minister stated that Russia seeks to destroy the basic elements of life in Ukraine to break the resistance of its people.
Faddeev indicated that July and August were the bloodiest months for Ukrainian civilians in over four years. "Russia has never launched such a large number of missiles against its neighbour," the minister said. He stressed that Germany will continue to provide support to Ukraine, expressing hope that this will push Russia towards peace negotiations.
"We stand by Ukraine. We support it. And it will prevail in this military confrontation," Faddeev said. The German chancellor emphasized that he will expand assistance to Ukraine as winter approaches, a period when intensified attacks against energy infrastructure are expected.
German officials noted that no country invests in military and financial support to Ukraine as Germany does. The German government hopes that military pressure will push Ukraine towards negotiations. Diplomatic efforts to end the war have recently stalled. Faddeev held that a growing number of people in Russia understands that Ukraine, with international support, has greater capacity for resistance, and that the continuation of war will only lead to economic ruin. He also noted that increasingly unstable propaganda and more sweeping repression within are signs of weakness in the Russian system.
Faddeev will hold talks with Ukrainian leadership. The visit was not announced beforehand for security reasons. Ukraine's 35th independence anniversary will be commemorated next Monday, with special celebrations planned mainly in Kiev.
