German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reaffirmed Berlin's support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, following U.S. President Donald Trump's call for his removal.
Speaking at a meeting of the leadership of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Wadephul stated that Germany remains at Ukraine's side and its government, and "fully supports the president in carrying out his difficult duties."
The statement came after Trump on Saturday called for Ukraine to replace Zelenskyy and criticized Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. Trump also announced last week plans to broker a diesel supply agreement.
Wadephul's remarks underscored the widening divergence between Berlin and Washington over the war in Ukraine. The German foreign minister also called for increased pressure to be placed on Russia to resume peace negotiations.
The declaration reflects Germany's position as Trump and the U.S. administration take a different approach to the conflict, with the American president publicly questioning Zelenskyy's leadership while Germany continues to voice its backing for the Ukrainian president.