German Foreign Minister Johan Wadephul recently urged not to relax or reduce defense efforts in Europe, arguing that only a firm stance and close cooperation between allies could ensure the continent’s protection from possible emerging threats, particularly from Russia. As German news agency DPA reported, Wadephul warned of the danger of becoming complacent if a peace deal was signed in Ukraine, stressing that the true guarantee of European security depends on remaining strong against Russia.
The senior German official pointed out that such security can only be achieved through the sustainable development of European collective strength, the strength of the alliance and the constant preparation of the Bundeswehr, as the DPA published. These comments come amid the international debate over a way out of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, and during discussions about the possible impact a ceasefire could have on politics and security in the region.
Wadephul declined to speculate specifically on the possibility that Russian President Vladimir Putin would take advantage of a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine to reorganize or eventually attack North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) territory. However, he recommended anticipating such a scenario and increasing military preparation. “I can only advise that we prepare for the possibility that something like this happens,” said the minister, according to the DPA agency. He emphasized the importance of strengthening both the security structures within NATO and the modernization of personnel and equipment of the German armed forces with the aim of fully restoring their national and collective defense capability.
The German minister emphasized his refusal to reduce security efforts and, on the contrary, suggested that they be intensified. “There is no reason for us to reduce our efforts. On the contrary,” Wadephul said, according to German media. He emphasized that no concessions should be considered in ongoing projects and plans, as only building up armed forces will really bring more security for both NATO and Germany. In this sense, the head of German diplomacy warned that a Russian military advance in Ukraine would pose a significant threat to NATO, which, in his opinion, underlines the need to maintain support for Kiev as a fundamental issue of German security.
Wadephul also noted the importance of Ukraine receiving clear security guarantees, particularly from the United States, in the hypothetical event of a peace agreement or concessions from the Ukrainian government. “This of course implies a commitment and a real will on the part of those who promise to support Ukraine in the event of another Russian invasion,” the minister argued, according to the DPA agency. He also stressed that Ukraine can only consider concessions, including those affecting territory, in the face of solid security commitments from the West.
The Chancellor pointed out that European countries must also take responsibility for supporting possible agreements and that discussions on structuring these contributions must be deepened once a ceasefire has been reached and Russia shows a serious willingness to negotiate peace. Wadephul explained that the details of these contributions will not be discussed until the Russian government’s actual commitment to finding a peaceful solution is verified.
With regard to the positions within the European Union, the minister was skeptical about the proposal by the chairman of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee to appoint a European special envoy for Russia. However, as DPA reported, Wadephul left the door open to involving all relevant European structures in the negotiation processes surrounding the Ukraine conflict and future relations with Moscow.
In his remarks, Wadephul summarized the state of the discussion by emphasizing that the main interest of Germany and Europe is the stability and security of Ukraine, as a peaceful and strong environment in this country would benefit the entire region. According to the DPA agency, he emphasized that the stronger the peace situation in Ukraine and the faster Kiev manages to protect its own interests, the better the prospects for the entire European continent.
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