The key facts

  • Trump criticized Zelensky for strikes on Russian oil refineries, calling them a cause of rising global energy prices
  • Wadephul considers Trump's statements campaign rhetoric and urges focusing on the actual US support for Ukraine
  • According to the minister, the Russian side is blocking the talks; last month civilian casualties in Ukraine reached a new tragic high

Berlin Responds to Trump's Criticism

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul commented on Friday at a press conference in Berlin on the sharp statements by US President Donald Trump regarding Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. According to him, these statements do not indicate a weakening of American support for Ukraine. 'The current statements of the American president should be viewed in the context of the final phase of the election campaign in the US,' Wadephul said, adding that it is important to focus on the fact that the US continues to provide Ukraine with support in coordination with European partners.

What Trump Said

On Thursday, Trump sharply criticized Zelensky over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. In his view, these attacks lead to rising global energy prices. He also questioned Zelensky's leadership qualities and his readiness for talks, stating: 'Zelenskyy is not a good guy for us to deal with.'

Wadephul: Russia Is Stalling the Talks

Wadephul characterized Trump's statements as campaign rhetoric and emphasized that Washington, with Europe's support, is still working to advance the negotiation process. He insisted that it is not Zelensky but the Russian side that is blocking progress. 'From my point of view, the lack of readiness for talks on the part of the Russian president, who continues the bombardments, remains evident — we have just witnessed a new, tragic record in the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine over the past month,' the minister said.

Europe's Position and Contact with Lavrov

Wadephul reiterated that Europe unambiguously stands with Ukraine as a country that has been attacked, while remaining ready to facilitate any peace talks. He noted that he had once again conveyed this position to the head of Russian diplomacy. 'Unfortunately, so far this has not found a response,' he said, referring to the meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in New York last month.