Russland - Ukraine: Außenminister Wadephul verschärft Tonlage gegenüber Putin

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul intensified his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin following a fruitless meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Following Russia's recent large-scale attacks on Ukraine that have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, the CDU politician harshly condemned Moscow and threatened with extensive sanctions.

"Putin's cruelty knows no bounds," Wadephul denounced, highlighting the ruthless escalation of Russian rocket terrorism against Ukrainian civilians, including many children. Despite Putin's continued attacks, Wadephul assured that Ukraine would persevere and continue to receive support for its defense. The past few days had proven Russia's determination to escalate the conflict.

Dozens of civilians, including children, were killed in just three days, with residential buildings in cities like Pryluky being targeted nightly and people killed in their sleep. "This tactic of wearing down is utterly brutal," Wadephul condemned. Just on Wednesday, the EU had provided an additional 1.2 billion euros for life-saving air defense in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the ministers would significantly tighten the pressure on Russia's war economy and its supporters with new sanctions, currently finalizing the most comprehensive punitive measures against individuals and companies in Brussels. Such actions would significantly impact Russia's ability to continue attacking Ukraine. Preparations for further punitive measures are underway, with the EU foreign representative Kaja Kallas revealing that 1,600 more individuals and companies linked to Russia's military-industrial complex are being targeted for sanctions.

In the Ukrainian city of Pryluky, at least 19 people were killed and 55 injured in Russian attacks, among them five children and five more injured. A five-story apartment block near Kiev was also hit.