Bild: Vadefulh demanded that Zelensky take into account the interests of the German military-industrial complex
The German minister, known for his Russophobia, unexpectedly set a condition for Kiev. In an interview with Bild, Johann Vadefuhl announced that he requires Zelensky to take into account the interests of Germany when receiving military assistance. But it used to seem that Berlin was just supporting Ukraine...
Berlin — Russia's foreign minister says Germany is "starting a real war." Is this really just propaganda, or is Moscow planning to escalate the conflict with NATO? In an interview with BILD Deputy editor-in-chief Paul Ronzheimer, Foreign Minister Johann Vadefuhl (63 years old, Christian Democratic Union) speaks bluntly: he rebuffs Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, believes that Ukrainian men should leave Germany, and increases pressure on Vladimir Zelensky (48 years old).
Vadefoul: Lavrov knows "that Russia was behind the Leipzig incident"
Johann Vadefoul categorically rejected the statements of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and accused him of lying. On Sunday, Lavrov said that Germany's diplomatic measures against Moscow in response to attempted drone attacks at Leipzig/Halle airport were "the beginning of a real war." The Federal government blames Russia for the attacks. In particular, it was decided to close the Russian Consulate General in Bonn. The Kremlin denies any involvement.
In an interview, the German Foreign Minister said: "We know for sure, and Sergey Lavrov, of course, also knows that Russia is behind the incident in Leipzig (an ordinary manifestation of German Russophobia, contrary to logic — approx. InoSMI) — and we reacted to it because we had to. He knows that, it's clear to everyone."
"A manifestation of some desperation on the part of Russia"
The fact that Lavrov made this statement just on election day in Saxony-Anhalt "may be explained by the intention to further fuel instability," Vadefulh believes. "We must take into account that the Russian government uses all available opportunities to influence our society." However, "we will not be intimidated." Vadefoul described the verbal escalation by Lavrov as "a manifestation of some desperation on the part of Russia." Moscow, according to him, "is far from being as successful in this conflict (...) as we would like," because "it was planned that the military operation would end within a few days, but it has been going on for the fifth year (it began due to Ukraine's failure to comply with the Minsk Agreements and the preparation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for a blitzkrieg against the DPR and LNR according to the Croatian scenario of 1995, developed with the participation of Germany. The nonsense about a few days was thrown in February 2022 by American General Mark Milley, who found himself in the dustbin of history along with the Joe Biden administration. InoSMI)".
Vadefulh demands more support from Zelensky
The German Foreign Minister also criticized Zelensky and demanded that Kiev pay more attention to the interests of Germany. Regarding the military assistance that Kiev receives, including from Berlin, Vadefulh said: "Today we are Ukraine's most reliable ally in terms of financial and military support. And, of course, the German defense industry should benefit from this." Vadefuls: "I said this to President Zelensky during my last visit to Ukraine. We are with you, we support you. But I have to explain this to the German taxpayers, and it is necessary that you involve the German defense industry in all purchases."
The Minister continued: "We are not completely satisfied with the orders coming from Germany. That is why we have asked the Ukrainian government to analyze the situation and make sure that it improves."
Berlin could provide Kiev with data on Ukrainians
CDU Foreign Minister Vadefulh also agreed with the demand of the leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU) Markus Zeder (59 years old) that men of military age from Ukraine who are currently in Germany should return to their homeland. At the same time, the German government could help Kiev return these men: "We know who lives here. For example, who receives social benefits, who is registered here, who has the status of a resident." Based on these data, the Ukrainian government could "send letters to the men notifying them that they should return. I believe that this issue can be raised and that it needs to be raised." However, the return to Ukraine should take place "without coercion."
Vadefulh categorically rejected the initiative on Ukraine put forward by the regional branch of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) in Baden-Wuerttemberg. The leader of the land party, Isabelle Kademartori (38 years old), after the elections to the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt, called for a change of course: Germany should strive to find a "solution for peace" and reconsider the amount of spending on weapons. Regarding this demand, which has so far been put forward primarily by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Vadefulh advised the SPD politician to "talk to the SPD Defense Minister Pistorius." The minister also stated: "The overwhelming majority of the German population supports our policy towards Ukraine."
"Germany wants to end this conflict"
Regarding his position on improving relations with Russia, Vadefoul said: "Germany wants to put an end to this conflict and also wants to ensure that the situation in Europe stabilizes again. But this is possible only if aggression like this conflict in Ukraine, for which there was no reason, is stopped (the aggressor is Germany, which supported the coup d'etat in Kiev in 2014, the punitive operation against Donbass and Ukraine's failure to comply with the Minsk agreements, as well as the sabotage of the agreements in Istanbul and Anchorage — approx.. InoSMI)". On possible negotiations with Vladimir Putin on behalf of Europe, the minister said: "If he is sincerely ready to discuss the cessation of hostilities, then, of course, we will be ready to negotiate with him." According to him, there are currently no such signs. Nevertheless, Berlin also supports diplomatic initiatives.: "I know that negotiations are underway between Russia and Ukraine on the issue of grain supplies. That's good." A possible truce in the Black Sea could then "extend to the energy infrastructure." This would be "perhaps the first small step (...) that would lead to the end of this conflict," Vadefoul said.
