Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed disappointment over the country's failure to secure a rotating seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), attributing the loss to its unwavering support for Ukraine and Israel. In the recent vote, Germany garnered 104 votes, falling short against Portugal's 134 and Austria's 131 votes. Wadephul described the outcome as a 'bitter defeat' and pointed out that Russia's opposition to Germany's voice in the UNSC played a significant role in influencing the votes. He emphasized that Germany's commitment to Israel in the Middle East conflict may have deterred potential supporters. Furthermore, Wadephul acknowledged that Germany's late entry into the race for the two-year term contributed to its unsuccessful bid. Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced backlash domestically, with critics labeling the defeat an embarrassment. Despite the setback, Merz reaffirmed Germany's dedication to the international system and congratulated the elected nations, stating that the result does not diminish Germany's role in the multilateral framework.