Germany warns that Putin has plans bigger than the war in Ukraine

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warns that Russia may have objectives extending beyond the war in Ukraine and could target other neighboring states, including the Republic of Moldova, Georgia, and the Baltic states. He made the statement in an interview with German broadcaster ntv, amid concerns about Moscow’s intentions and European security.

Wadephul argued that, before the invasion of Ukraine, Russia had good relations with Kyiv, faced no direct threat, and benefited from favorable supply agreements, including with Germany. In his view, these factors indicate that the Kremlin has broader plans.

The German minister referred to Vladimir Putin’s statement that the collapse of the Soviet Union was “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century.” He suggested that the Russian leader might try to reverse the effects of the dissolution of the USSR.

Wadephul stressed that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are members of the EU and NATO, and that an attack on them would directly involve Germany. He also mentioned forms of hybrid warfare, such as drone incidents and cyberattacks. In August, a drone carrying explosives was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Berlin accused Russia, but Moscow rejected the allegations.