The German Foreign Minister has called on the West to intensify efforts to deter Putin and to suspend his aggression
German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadefül has sharply urged the international community to strengthen its efforts in fighting Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, emphasizing the need to deliver a tangible lesson to Russian leader Vladimir Putin. In a recent speech aired on ARD television and disseminated through news agencies Deutsche Welle and Reuters, he called on the West to take decisive action to make the Kremlin understand the real consequences of the war. Against the backdrop of increasing rocket attacks on Ukrainian cities and escalating conflict, Wadefül expressed the conviction that additional sanctions against Russia are necessary. He underlined that Moscow’s actions indicate the Kremlin’s unwillingness to compromise or achieve peace through diplomatic means. According to the minister, Putin is clearly demonstrating an unwavering intent to continue the war, regardless of diplomatic efforts—including those of former US President Donald Trump to organize negotiations between the conflicting sides. “Clearly, Putin does not seek peace. He wants to continue the war, and we have no right to allow him to do so,” Wadefül stated. His words served as a strong call to European and American allies to intensify their deterrence strategy. The head of Germany’s foreign policy department announced that a new package of sanctions against Russia is already being shaped, aimed at isolating the country and increasing pressure on the Kremlin. “We are awaiting a strong and unified response from the West. Possibly, cooperation with America will help us achieve the desired effect,” Wadefül added. He is confident that these measures can persuade Vladimir Putin to sit at the negotiating table, helping to avoid even worse consequences for the Russian economy and energy sector, which are already showing signs of crisis. The background to this situation includes the fact that EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Materno highlighted separately that Russia is ignoring the international community and brazenly laughing at attempts by the US and other countries to find a path to peace. She emphasized that Moscow continues to silence the global community in its efforts to preserve its position and continue the military campaign. At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the world community — in particular the United States — to step up efforts to increase pressure on the Kremlin. The President stressed that it is time to act decisively and not remain silent, as there is a risk of further escalation of the conflict and even greater destruction and human losses. Zelensky emphasized that the international community must unite in supporting Ukraine and take preventative measures to deter the malicious actions of the Russian regime. Thus, the situation remains complex and tense, and the words of the German minister serve as a call for a united and decisive set of measures—both political and economic—that can stop the unprecedented war and end the suffering of the Ukrainian people. All are expecting that sanctions and diplomatic pressure will become key factors in shaping the future course of this crisis.