German Foreign Minister Acknowledges Ukraine’s Right to Influence Russian Territory Amid War
Germany's Foreign Minister, Johann Waduful, made a surprising statement regarding Ukraine's right to defend itself amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
He emphasized that Ukraine not only has the right to defend itself from Russian aggression but also could gain the ability to influence Russian territory as part of ensuring its security.
Although he provided no specific details on the types of weapons or the timing of their deployment, his remarks came amid ongoing debates in Germany about supplying Kyiv with Taurus cruise missiles.
Waduful highlighted that the main challenges for Germany’s support are not financial shortages but limited access to advanced weaponry and the need to boost production.
He also acknowledged that the issue of supplying Taurus missiles remains open and requires continuous review.
At the same time, the minister confirmed that the government does not disclose all details regarding the weapon systems being provided to Ukraine to avoid giving Kremlin such information.
This approach aligns with Germany’s policy of secrecy to prevent escalating the conflict or revealing strategic capabilities.
Waduful also noted that deliveries of U.S.
Patriot systems to Ukraine are expected no earlier than spring 2026.
In an interview with ZEIT, he stressed that Germany is willing to explore new pathways to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities and reduce dependency on external sources.
The exact timing of delivering these advanced missiles, such as Taurus, remains uncertain, as their operational use demands extensive training and preparation for Ukrainian forces.
Despite criticism, officials maintain that all decisions are made considering the country’s security, sovereignty, and Ukraine’s best interests.
The prospects for Ukraine obtaining additional modern weaponry are still unresolved, but it is clear that Germany and its allies are investing significant efforts to support Kyiv in this difficult period, balancing political and military challenges.