German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrived in Kyiv on June 30, 2025, reinforcing Berlin’s steadfast support for Ukraine amid intensifying Russian military aggression. The visit came shortly after a large-scale overnight attack by Russia involving hundreds of drones and missiles, which targeted multiple Ukrainian regions and resulted in significant destruction and casualties.
During his discussions with Ukrainian officials, Wadephul pledged continued delivery of modern air-defence systems, weapons, humanitarian assistance, and financial support. Germany remains Ukraine’s second-largest military backer after the United States. With American support increasingly uncertain due to political divisions, European countries, particularly Germany, are being called upon to take a more central role in supporting Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
The timing of Wadephul’s visit underscored the urgency of the situation. On June 29, Ukraine faced one of the largest aerial assaults in months, with 477 drones and 60 missiles launched by Russia. Ukrainian forces intercepted 211 drones and 38 missiles, while others were brought down by jamming systems or decoys. Despite the air defences, the attack caused considerable damage, and the country mourned the loss of F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko, who was killed after downing seven enemy targets before his aircraft crashed.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has reiterated his appeals to Western allies for more Patriot missile systems and advanced air-defence tools. The Ukrainian leadership has also emphasized the urgent need for long-term security guarantees, especially as Russian ground forces continue to advance in the eastern Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Wadephul’s visit follows a series of international diplomatic efforts to consolidate European and NATO support for Ukraine. Germany has played a prominent role in these initiatives, including recent coalition talks with France, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Italy. These efforts are aimed at ensuring sustained political, economic, and military backing for Ukraine, particularly in the face of prolonged conflict and humanitarian challenges.
As Ukraine continues to resist the Russian invasion, European nations are under growing pressure to enhance their support. Germany’s leadership in this regard will be critical not only for the stability of Ukraine but also for the broader security architecture of Europe. The coming months will test the resilience of international alliances and the resolve of Western democracies to uphold the sovereignty of nations under attack.