German FM warns of broader Russian ambitions

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that he believes Russia has broader ambitions extending beyond its war against Ukraine, dpa reported, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.

Before the war, Russia maintained good relations with Ukraine, faced no threat and benefited from favorable supply agreements with countries including Germany, Wadephul told German broadcaster ntv.

“And that is why we have to assume that Russia has broader plans,” he said.

Asked what he meant, Wadephul referred to previous comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin describing the collapse of the Soviet Union as the greatest catastrophe of the 20th century.

“If that was the greatest catastrophe, then he probably wants to reverse it,” Wadephul said.

He argued that such ambitions could involve Ukraine as well as Georgia, Moldova and the Baltic states.

Because the Baltic states are members of both the European Union and NATO, Germany would also be affected as an ally, the foreign minister said.

Germany would not consider itself under attack only if its own territory were targeted, Wadephul said, adding that violations of the borders of NATO allies such as Poland, Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania would also concern Germany.

He said Germany is already facing hybrid threats, citing drone incidents in Leipzig and previous cyberattacks.

In August, a drone carrying explosives was discovered near Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The German government blamed Russia for the incident, while Moscow denied any involvement.

Separately, Wadephul warned on Tuesday at the opening of a climate and security conference in Berlin that climate change could reshape global security and trigger new waves of migration, with its effects potentially contributing to hunger, extremism and terrorism.

“Climate change exacerbates hardship and hunger, especially in fragile states, and can therefore also become a breeding ground for extremism and terrorism or lead to waves of migration,” the conservative politician said.

Wadephul warned that the current Super El Niño weather phenomenon threatens the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people. He argued that well-designed investments to combat climate change could also strengthen security.

He also pointed to rising global grain prices, accusing Russia of attacking grain ships in the Black Sea and disrupting supplies to people around the world who are particularly dependent on imports.

If Russia again deliberately targets Ukraine’s energy infrastructure toward the end of the year, decentralized renewable energy sources could provide a lifeline because they are more difficult to destroy and do not depend on imported fossil fuels, Wadephul said.

The conference brings together around 250 international participants working in the fields of climate, peace and security, including representatives from countries particularly affected by extreme weather events, as well as officials from the United Nations, the European Union and other international organizations, scientists and civil society groups.

Photo: Chat GPT