German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of manipulating the Ukraine war, dismissing any hopes that a recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump would ease Russian aggression.
Speaking to German media, Pistorius condemned the latest overnight Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. He noted that the attacks persisted despite the much-publicized conversation between Putin and Trump.
“The airstrikes on civilian infrastructure have not eased at all on the first night after this so-called major phone call between Putin and President Trump,” Pistorius told AFP.
Russia’s “Unacceptable” Peace Demands
The German minister also criticized the Kremlin’s demand that Western military and intelligence support for Ukraine be completely halted as a precondition for peace.
“This is entirely unacceptable,” he stated, emphasizing that Putin’s true objective is to discourage Kyiv’s allies from continuing their assistance.
Pistorius warned that if Putin succeeds in halting Western aid, Ukraine’s ability to defend itself will be severely weakened.
“His goal is to prevent Ukraine’s supporters from continuing to help Kyiv and ensuring that Ukraine can truly defend itself, whether during or after a ceasefire,” he added.
Escalating Tensions Despite Diplomatic Efforts
Despite diplomatic engagements, including Trump’s recent outreach to Putin, Russia has shown no signs of de-escalation. Instead, Moscow has intensified its airstrikes, targeting critical Ukrainian infrastructure.
Germany remains a key advocate for continued Western military support to Ukraine, reinforcing the stance that Putin’s conditions for peace are not genuine but rather a strategic maneuver to weaken Ukraine further.
The latest developments raise questions about the effectiveness of diplomatic negotiations and whether the West will ramp up its assistance in response to Russia’s continued aggression.
