ISTANBUL

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Tuesday he had his first call with Johann Wadephul, congratulating him on his nomination as Germany’s federal foreign minister and discussing future cooperation to bolster support for Ukraine.

On X, Sybiha praised Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz’s address the previous day, calling it a demonstration of “true leadership.”

He also told Wadephul about the current state of the battlefield and Ukraine’s peace efforts, emphasizing the importance of Germany’s principled stance.

“I appreciate his consistent personal stance in favor of our shared principles, as well as his reaffirmation today that the next German government will maintain and strengthen its support for Ukraine,” Sybiha said.

Sybiha also invited Wadephul to join EU foreign ministers on their visit to Ukraine scheduled for May 9, following his formal appointment.