German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has accused Russia of wanting to "subjugate" Ukraine and says President Vladmir Putin has no desire to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
Speaking in Kyiv on June 30 during his first visit to Ukraine since becoming Germany's top diplomat, Wadephul joined recent criticism of Russia from many of Ukraine's allies as talk of a cease-fire in Europe's longest and deadliest conflict since the end of World War II make no progress.
Putin "wants to subjugate the whole of Ukraine and at the same time spread fear throughout Europe," Wadephul said after touring a site in the capital where a Russian air strike made impact.
Wadephul added that Putin's "alleged willingness to negotiate is just a facade."
Wadephul's surprise visit came hours after Russia continued its relentless attack on Ukrainian cities.
Eight people, including one child, were injured in a strike on the city of Kharkiv, regional officials said.
A day earlier, Russia launched more than 500 missiles and drones as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree to withdraw his country from a global anti-landmine pact.
Zelenskyy signed a decree on June 29 to pull Ukraine out of the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of anti-personnel mines. Zelenskyy has long cited Russia’s use of the deadly mines for Ukraine’s desire to exit the pact, which has been signed by more than 160 countries, but not Russia or the United States.
The Kremlin "is extremely cynical in its use of anti-personnel mines," Zelenskyy said. "This is the trademark of Russian killers -- to destroy life by any means at their disposal."
To enter into force, the action must be ratified by the Ukrainian parliament and notification given to the UN.
Zelenskyy also reiterated calls on Ukraine’s Western allies for continued support for Kyiv to help defend itself against the Russian attacks.
“Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defense -- the thing that best protects lives. These are American systems, which we are ready to buy. We count on leadership, political will, and the support of the United States, Europe, and all our partners,” he wrote on social media.
“Almost all night long, air raid alerts sounded across Ukraine -- 477 drones were in our skies, most of them Russian-Iranian Shaheds, along with 60 missiles of various types,” Zelenskyy said in a social media post.
The attack prompted Poland and allied countries to scramble aircraft to ensure the safety of Polish airspace, the Polish military said on June 29.
