German Envoy Philipp Ackermann Hopes Trump-Putin Meeting Will Be ‘More Fruitful,’ Expresses Concern Over Ukraine Conflict
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New Delhi, October 17, 2025: Germany’s Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, has expressed hope that the next meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will yield more productive results than their last interaction in Alaska. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, Ackermann underscored Europe’s growing anxiety over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and emphasized the need for decisive yet diplomatic measures to restore peace in the region.
Europe Under Growing Threat
Addressing the audience, Ackermann said that Europe continues to view the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv with deep concern. He highlighted that recent developments have further intensified the continent’s sense of vulnerability. “We in Germany, and I think that applies across Europe, look at the situation in Ukraine with great concern and preoccupation,” he said, noting recent incidents involving Russian fighter jets and drones entering NATO airspace.
He explained that a recent episode, where Russian fighter aircraft allegedly crossed into NATO territory for several minutes, served as a wake-up call for the entire European bloc. “We had drones over Scandinavian airports — not confirmed to be Russian, but the likelihood is there. Europe more and more feels under threat,” Ackermann remarked.
Urgency for Peace Over Fatigue
Rejecting the idea that Europe is growing weary of the prolonged conflict, Ackermann said the continent is instead driven by a stronger urge to find an end to the war. “We don’t feel exhaustion or fatigue; we feel the desire and the urge to end this war,” he said.
Discussing the possibility of renewed talks between the US and Russia, Ackermann expressed cautious optimism. “You mentioned a possible meeting between President Putin and President Trump. I hope it will be more fruitful than the last one,” he stated, adding that Washington’s recent openness to engaging in dialogue with Ukraine was a positive signal.
According to him, this readiness for talks might be unsettling for Russia, but it also represents a display of Western strength and resolve. “It’s important to have this mixture of strength, decisiveness, and readiness for dialogue,” he said, emphasizing the delicate balance required in international diplomacy.
Learning from Ukraine’s Drone Warfare Expertise
Ackermann also acknowledged the significant advancements Ukraine has made in drone technology and combat tactics. He said Germany is now learning from Ukraine’s experience in this area, especially as Europe braces for emerging security threats.
“Ukrainians are helping us now because they are pretty good when it comes to drones and drone attacks. Their technology is really advanced. Ours is not, so we will learn from them,” he stated, highlighting the collaborative defence efforts taking shape within Europe.
Strengthening European Defence Capabilities
The German envoy stressed that Europe must enhance its defensive readiness to respond to any potential provocations. “All of a sudden, we see Russian warfare crossing borders into NATO territory — and that’s a provocation. We have to react,” he said, adding that European nations, including Germany and the UK, are now ramping up their military preparedness.
Ackermann revealed that Germany is significantly increasing its defence expenditure to modernize its armed forces. “Our defence spending is going up big time to put our army in a better state,” he said, signaling Berlin’s commitment to ensuring the continent’s security.
A Call for Strength and Diplomacy
Ackermann emphasized that Europe must combine strategic strength with a diplomatic mindset to bring an end to the conflict. He compared the situation in Ukraine with the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, stating that while the latter has reached a fragile ceasefire, Europe must work toward a sustainable peace process.
“Unlike the Middle East, I don’t see a cessation of hostilities yet in Europe. I hope it will become a peace process soon — and I hope we will see that in Russia and Ukraine,” he concluded.
Final Thoughts by TheTrendingPeople.com:
Ambassador Philipp Ackermann’s remarks underscore Europe’s growing sense of urgency to end the Russia-Ukraine war through a combination of strength, diplomacy, and cooperation. As global leaders prepare for another potential Trump-Putin dialogue, Europe’s call for peace remains firm — guided by vigilance, unity, and the lessons learned from a conflict that has reshaped the continent’s security landscape.