The statement came amid a new wave of massive Russian strikes on critical infrastructure intended to weaken power supplies ahead of the cold season. Berlin and NATO partners are determined to prevent those attacks from degrading Ukraine’s defense capabilities or creating a humanitarian crisis.
“This winter is decisive. Ukraine must remain able to defend itself,” Wadephul said after talks with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and alliance representatives in Brussels.
European diplomats stressed that support must go beyond military aid and include measures to strengthen energy security, since Ukraine’s power grid has again become a major target of Russian strikes.
Wadephul said Germany understands its special responsibility to coordinate international efforts. He reminded partners that the so-called Coalition of the Willing has agreed “to mobilize all available resources so Ukraine can get through this winter.”
“Ukraine can count on Germany at any time,” the foreign minister said.
German diplomacy emphasized that stable winter power is not only a humanitarian need but a strategic one. The country’s ability to resist Russia’s energy blackmail will shape the course of the war and the unity of Western allies.
Earlier, The Economist analyzed the Kremlin’s operation to “plunge Ukraine into darkness,” arguing that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has stepped up air strikes on Ukraine’s energy systems ahead of winter to split the country and make eastern areas uninhabitable.
The article highlighted the aim is to cut industry, provoke panic and trigger mass displacement.