German Foreign Minister Warns Russia Threatens Peace, Supports NATO Spending Increase

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has strongly warned that Russia poses a direct threat to peace and freedom in Germany, emphasizing that Russia's war against Ukraine represents the greatest security threat to Europe and a central focus of German foreign policy. He praised NATO's recent decision at the summit in The Hague to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP as a necessary step to strengthen security. Wadephul criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for indiscriminate bombings aimed at breaking Ukrainian morale, framing Ukraine's freedom as a critical test of European resolve. He advocated for continued military support to Ukraine to ensure it maintains a strong negotiating position in future talks, while rejecting any policy shifts towards appeasement. Meanwhile, a debate within Germany's Social Democratic Party reflects differing views, with some members calling for direct diplomacy with Moscow and criticizing rearmament, although the party leadership supports maintaining a firm stance against Russia. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian officials also highlight the importance of NATO's support to Ukraine as vital for European security amid concerns of potential Russian aggression against NATO countries.