Germany on Wednesday called on Russia to halt attacks in the Black Sea and agree to a ceasefire for civilian shipping, warning that continued strikes would deepen hunger in Africa and erode Moscow’s remaining standing in the Global South.
– Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made the appeal at a joint news conference with his Bulgarian counterpart, Velislava Petrova-Chamova, after talks in Berlin focused on regional developments and Black Sea security.
– “If Russia continues these attacks, it does so at the expense of people in the Global South — primarily people in Africa,” Wadephul said. “These people are suffering as a result, and they face the threat of hunger.”
– Germany’s top diplomat said recent attacks on civilian ships, especially those carrying grain, endangered food security and lives in vulnerable regions while further isolating Moscow.
– “Russia will need to be very careful not to lose what remains of its reputation in this region by once again expanding the theater of war in the Black Sea,” Wadephul said. “That is why I reiterate the clear appeal: we need a ceasefire in the Black Sea for civilian shipments, particularly of grain.”
– The official stressed that Black Sea coastal states were ready to hold talks with Russia and Ukraine on a ceasefire to guarantee safe passage for civilian vessels and uninterrupted grain exports to countries that rely on them.
– “It is now up to Russia to show whether it is willing to weigh its relations with the countries of the Global South — and its own interests — in a way that can save lives,” he said.