Speech by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the International Veterans Forum in Kyiv

For soldiers and diplomats, flags have a very special meaning: they represent our values and symbolise whom and what we serve.

Everywhere I go, there is usually a German flag and, of course, a European flag - often quickly put up by aides, protocol officers and local officials, and taken down again soon afterwards.

But there is one flag that I put up myself and that I have not taken down since!

This flag is hanging in my office, directly opposite my desk.

And that flag is yours: the flag of Ukraine.

More precisely, the flag is from the First Separate Assault Regiment.

Your brothers-in-arms gave it to me a few months ago. They were commanders who had come to Berlin directly from the front line where they had been fighting for more than four years, and who returned to their unit immediately after visiting Germany.

What moved me most is evident to all of you: Before Russia's war of aggression, these men were not soldiers.

One was a student. One a family doctor. One a social worker. One a historian. One was a theatre director.
They did not choose this war. The Kremlin did. Yet they chose to defend their country, their loved ones, their way of life.

When the alternative is clear, there is no other choice.

If Russia were to deprive Ukraine of its freedom, its state sovereignty and its European future, alarmingly, the message sent to autocrats around the world would be:

Might makes right.

The flag in my office therefore also symbolises our solidarity: we stand with Ukraine - in defence of our shared values and against tyranny.

Dear friends,

At this point, I would like to say something personal.
Today, I speak to you not only as Germany's Foreign Minister, but also as a soldier and reserve officer. I served as a professional soldier and am now a Lieutenant Colonel in the Reserve.

From my own experience, I know what it means to bear responsibility for other people and to rely on one's comrades.

But I also know that my experience cannot compare with yours.
You have fought a real and brutal war. You have shown extraordinary courage. You have demonstrated incredible resilience and shouldered responsibility in the most difficult circumstances. You are a vital part of Ukrainian society.

Many of you carry the scars of this war with you.

For soldiers, the consequences of war do not end when the fighting does.

Returning home after combat, adjusting to civilian life, rebuilding careers and personal relationships are major challenges in their own right.

And it is clear to me, and it is clear to my country, that we will support you.

On the one hand, it is important that Ukrainian structures lead the provision of full comprehensive support for veterans and their communities. This support must address the full range of veterans' needs and be rooted in Ukraine's own structures and institutions.

However, coordination with the many other actors and organisations providing support to veterans is equally important. There are many excellent initiatives including veterans' hubs established with German support, and many dedicated organisations.

We need to bring these efforts together and coordinate them effectively to achieve the greatest possible impact.

And, I can assure you that Germany remains committed to this cause.

And our commitment is concrete: We will provide an additional three million euros in support for veterans.

Because Ukraine's veterans and their service deserve our utmost respect!

We strongly support a comprehensive approach that ensures that veterans' needs are addressed within Ukraine's existing social system.

This means ensuring veterans receive the care they need, are able to return to civilian life and contribute their skills to the workforce and strengthen their country.

Dear friends,

You and all veterans should be a key part of society's structures, not outside of them.

Veterans represent an enormous asset to Ukraine.

We have to make sure that Ukraine can draw on this potential.

As we look towards the post-war period, veterans will be needed in Ukraine: as part of the workforce rebuilding the country, as part of the military reserve, and as pillars of democratic resilience.

Therefore, the questions we must ask ourselves - as Germans and Europeans - are:

How can we support Ukraine in making the most of this potential?

How can we help veterans return to civilian life, while at the same time ensuring that their experience, their skills and their commitment remain an asset to their country?

I am convinced that our shared goal must be not only to support you after your service, but also to give you the opportunity to shape Ukraine's future.

You have defended Ukraine with great courage.
You should now have every opportunity to help build the Ukraine you fought for.

Thank you very much!

Slawa Ukrajini!