Ukraine-Krieg: Wadephul erwartet Sieg – und Putin eine Niederlage Kiews

After four and a half years of Russian aggression against Ukraine, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin continues to expect a Ukrainian defeat despite failing to reach his initially unattainable invasion objectives. Meanwhile, German Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul anticipates a victorious Ukraine during a recent visit there. "Putin must know that Ukraine, together with its supporters, has the longer breath on the way to the ultimate goal: finally peace," Wadephul stated in Kyiv.

The outcome of the war will be a critical factor in Europe's future. "And it must end in such a way that not the law of the stronger prevails, but that the strength of law prevails," he added. Following massive Russian airstrikes that resulted in numerous Ukrainian civilian deaths, including 16 people killed in Krywyj Rih during a drone attack on a shopping center, Ukraine is primarily seeking more Western assistance for anti-aircraft defense.

Wadephul emphasized that Ukraine currently lacks the means to defend against these rapid ballistic missiles. The Ukrainian leader has long requested additional Patriot anti-aircraft missiles from Western allies, but these have not been delivered so far. Wadephul vowed to continue pushing for this aid, mentioning Greece, Italy, Japan, and South Korea as potential suppliers.

Germany has already provided five such systems to Ukraine and sees no possibility of providing more from its own stock. Wadephul suggested that Defense Minister Boris Pistorius examine available reserves. He remains in Ukraine, with his itinerary not yet disclosed. Putin has threatened Kyiv with retaliation, declaring that opening the "Pandora's box" of economic attacks against Russia will make Moscow's "spirit from the flask" impossible to contain.

He emphasized that Russia's military actions, especially against Russian oil refineries and logistics centers, have been effective and will continue to cripple Ukrainian defenses. Putin and his ally Dmitry Medvedev demonstrated confidence in victory during a Kremlin party meeting, stating that Russia will reclaim more territories and that the Ukrainian threat is a "vanishing phantom."