German diplomatic chief Johann Wadephul warned that Russia remains the greatest threat to European security and freedom, stressing that NATO discussions should not distract from the situation in Ukraine. He highlighted the dire conditions in Ukraine, where a million people are without electricity and thousands suffer cold temperatures due to selective Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure. Wadephul urged European unity and the importance of direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the United States, and emphasized the Baltic region’s vulnerability to hybrid threats. He also criticized Russia’s obstinacy over territorial claims and called for clear conditions for peace, citing recent talks in Abu Dhabi. The German official reaffirmed NATO’s indispensable role and the need for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security.

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