Foreign Minister Wadephul accuses Putin of escalating hybrid attacks

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul accuses Russian President Vladimir Putin of escalating aggression against Europe in view of increasing hybrid attacks. “Russia’s hybrid attacks against those who support Ukraine and international law have reached a new level,” criticized the CDU politician at a meeting of the UN Security Council on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Wadephul was referring to the drone incident at Halle/Leipzig airport at the beginning of August, which the German government attributed to Moscow, which targeted Ukrainian cargo planes. Russia tried to blow up the machines with a drone prepared with explosives, the minister said. "This is not an isolated case of Russia's reckless and dangerous escalation in Europe," he added. Russia denies any connection with the Leipzig drone incident.

Hybrid warfare is a combination of military, economic, intelligence and propaganda means.

Wadephul: Russia is exacerbating hunger and hardship around the world

The consequences of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which has been ongoing for more than four and a half years, are being felt worldwide, said Wadephul. Ukraine had a very good grain harvest, but due to the attacks on Ukrainian ports, the grain could not be delivered to the world. “Russia is thereby exacerbating hunger and hardship worldwide.”

“Let us finally break out of this spiral of destruction and violence,” demanded Wadephul. What is needed is an immediate and complete ceasefire starting in the Black Sea in order to secure the supply of grain and food. The minister also called for a comprehensive exchange of prisoners of war and a return to negotiations based on international law, paving the way for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.