Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reaffirmed Berlin's unwavering support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday, countering a call by US President Donald Trump for Zelenskiy's removal. Wadephul emphasized the need for increased pressure on Russia to resume peace talks and highlighted Germany's commitment to Ukraine as its largest European donor.
The comments highlight a growing rift between key Western allies over strategy and support for Ukraine, potentially impacting the unified front against Russia and the trajectory of the conflict.
Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reiterated Berlin's steadfast support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday, directly responding to a call from US President Donald Trump for Zelenskiy's removal. Wadephul's remarks, made at a leadership meeting of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), underscored a divergence in approach between Germany and Washington regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
Trump had previously called for Ukraine to replace Zelenskiy and criticized attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. Germany, which is the largest European financial contributor to Ukraine, stated it would continue its sanctions against Russia, despite Trump's administration temporarily lifting US sanctions on Russian fuel. Wadephul, who had met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last month, emphasized the need for "consistency and clarity" to support Ukraine and compel Moscow to negotiate, stating that "more pressure on Putin" is required.
Separately, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with Zelenskiy on Saturday, assuring him of the UK's continued strengthening of sanctions against Russia, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.
Pick the topics you care about. Get only what matters, on your cadence.