General Christian Freuding.Photo: suspilne.
Major General Christian Freuding, who heads the Special Staff for Ukraine at the German Ministry of Defence, confidently declares the federal government’s continued support for Ukraine. In an interview with RND, he spoke in detail about the current situation at the front, the challenges for the Ukrainian military and the prospects for defending key positions in Donbas.
Current situation in Donbas
Freuding noted that the main focus of Russian attacks remains in Donbas, where the occupiers, despite heavy losses, are trying to advance every day. Recent developments, such as the loss of the town of Vuhledar, increase pressure on Pokrovsk, an important logistics centre that plays a key role in the movement of Ukrainian troops and the supply of the country’s defence industry.
“Pokrovsk is of great importance for Ukraine because of its strategic location and coal mine, which is important for the steel industry in Donbas,” Freuding explained.
Ukrainian response and attacks on Kursk
Speaking about the Ukrainian attacks on the Russian Kursk region, Freuding stressed that these actions had several goals. In particular, it was an attempt to ease the situation in Donbas, create a surprise effect for the enemy and strengthen the morale of both the Ukrainian people and Western allies. Although the attacks did not lead to a significant withdrawal of Russian forces from Donbas, they sent an important signal to Russia and disproved the myth of a “special operation”.
“This was not an act of desperation, but a well-thought-out strategy that can still create new opportunities,” the general said.
Western support: new supplies and weapons
Freuding said that Ukraine has significantly increased the number of mobilised soldiers due to the adoption of a new recruitment law, and that the number of recruits has increased significantly since the spring. In terms of military support, the situation with artillery ammunition has improved significantly, reducing Russia’s advantage in this area.
At the same time, the general stressed that Ukraine’s defence industry has become more efficient, especially in the production of drones, which also helps to put pressure on Russia’s logistics centres and ammunition depots. The plans to produce 1.5 million drones by the end of the year are impressive.
Germany’s position
When asked about Western war fatigue, Freuding strongly dismissed such fears. He noted that the Bundestag had recently approved an additional €400 million in aid to Ukraine for 2024. In total, Germany has already allocated €1.4 billion in support, enabling the implementation of more than 50 projects. The recent meeting between the US and Ukrainian presidents also underscored the West’s continued support.
“The federal government remains united in its support for Ukraine,” Freuding confirmed, stressing that Germany will continue to supply air defence systems, infantry fighting vehicles and tanks, as well as significant amounts of ammunition.
Peace talks and prospects
Regarding the possibility of peace talks, Freuding said that any efforts towards peace deserve attention. However, he stressed that Russia’s demands, including the recognition of the annexed territories, are unacceptable to both Ukraine and its Western partners. Therefore, it is too early to seriously assess the chances for peace.
“Despite the tense situation, Ukraine continues to hold on and demonstrates exceptional resilience in the face of the aggressor. We will continue to support Ukraine as long as it needs our help,” General Christian Freuding concluded.
