German FM Warns Failure to Support Ukraine Could Expose Germany to Russian Attack

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned on Monday that failing to support Ukraine could leave Germany vulnerable to Russian aggression, emphasizing the country’s independent commitment to the conflict regardless of international differences. Speaking to public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk, Wadephul stressed that Europe’s role in ceasefire negotiations has been significant, countering claims that Europeans were absent from diplomatic efforts.

“Our steadfastness and our resolve to stand by Ukraine are independent factors that we do not make dependent on others. If this goes wrong, if it fails in Ukraine, we would be next. That is why we will give our full commitment to Ukraine,” Wadephul said. He reiterated that Germany and Europe must ensure Ukraine is in a strong negotiating position and, if talks fail, has all necessary means to continue defending itself against Russian aggression.

Wadephul also said that Russia must take the next step in ceasefire efforts, responding to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statements about potentially renouncing NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees along current front lines. “If those are Ukraine’s offers, then that is a line that Russia can agree to,” he added. The remarks come as high-level Ukrainian-American talks continue in Berlin, with Zelenskyy meeting US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and later German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, ahead of an evening European summit. The EU is scheduled to hold a summit on Thursday to decide on using frozen Russian state assets to aid Ukraine.