World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Wadephul says Germany can defend itself against Russian threats
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany can defend itself against threats linked to Russia's war in Ukraine.
Speaking on a television programme, he said Germany needs to strengthen its armed forces and improve civil protection.
He pointed to German troops stationed in the Baltic region as part of defending Europe further from Germany's borders.
Wadephul said Russia was under economic strain and claimed it was losing 40,000 soldiers a month to death or injuries that make them unable to fight.
He argued that Germany should keep supporting Ukraine, pressuring Russia and preparing for talks to end the war.
A security expert on the programme warned that ending support for Ukraine would not automatically bring peace, while other guests said Russia exploits divisions in German society.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany can defend itself against Russian threats.
He said Germany is in Russia’s crosshairs but is not without protection.
Wadephul called for strengthening the armed forces and improving civil protection.
He said Germany should continue supporting Ukraine, pressuring Russia and preparing for negotiations.
He also said Russia is facing serious economic difficulties and losing 40,000 soldiers a month who are killed or rendered unable to fight.
- Who
- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
- What
- He said Germany can defend itself against Russian threats and called for continued support for Ukraine.
- When
- The article was published on Oct. 16, 2026; the date of Wadephul’s television appearance is not stated.
- Where
- On Maybrit Illner’s television programme. Wadephul also said German troops are stationed in the Baltic states.
- Why
- He said Germany faces threats from Russia and must be prepared to defend itself.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Russian-friendly parties achieved strong election results in eastern Germany.
He visited Kharkiv, which he said was 30 kilometres from the front.
Bild published its report on Wadephul’s comments.
- German foreign minister
- Johann Wadephul
- Television programme
- Maybrit Illner
- Location visited
- Kharkiv, 30 kilometres from the front
- Reported monthly Russian losses
- 40,000 soldiers killed or rendered unable to fight, according to Wadephul
- Germany’s military deployment
- German soldiers are stationed in the Baltic states
What people are saying
We are in the crosshairs, but we are not without protection. We can defend ourselves.
Germany is a strong country, the strongest in Europe, militarily, but also diplomatically.
They sell an illusion. The illusion that there is a button you can press, end support for Ukraine, and then there will be peace in Europe.
They have created the impression that they are for peace, but they are not for peace, they are for Putin.