VIENNA/ANKARA

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Saturday that Russia’s goal is to “divide Europe from within,” stressing that Moscow does not allow it to live in peace.

“We should not fool ourselves; we are not at war with Russia. But this does not mean Russia allows us to live in peace,” Wadephul said in a statement to Austria’s Krone newspaper on current international issues.

He accused Moscow of large-scale militarization, coupled with cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation campaigns.

The official emphasized that Germany is strengthening its defense against such threats, saying, “We must be so strong, militarily and socially, that the idea of attacking us or our partners doesn’t even occur to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin.”

He said Russia continues to assault Ukraine, noting that Kyiv is ready for peace but Moscow is not.

Wadephul also argued that Putin wants to weaken NATO, but the alliance is stronger than ever.

Regarding the Gaza Strip, he said Israel’s security is a responsibility for Germany, but respect for international law is “the other side of the same coin.”

He said efforts by Germany and Austria to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza carry “weight.”