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Germany’s FM: Putin–Zelenskyy Meeting Depends on Moscow’s Readiness for Peace
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the West is cautiously optimistic about steps toward peace in Ukraine, but emphasized that a meeting between Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin will only take place once Moscow is ready. He made the remarks in an interview with DW on August 20.
During his first Asian tour as foreign minister, Wadephul discussed Berlin’s role in diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine and assessed the prospects for high-level negotiations.
“There are good chances that we are moving toward security and peace,” Wadephul said. He highlighted US President Donald Trump’s engagement, which he said has prompted Putin to seriously consider halting attacks on Ukraine and exploring a peaceful resolution.
“It is also positive that the US President has promised Ukraine security guarantees. All of this signals, for the first time since this terrible war began, a potentially positive development. But now everyone is waiting to see whether Vladimir Putin is truly ready to talk about ending the war. On the front lines, unfortunately, the situation remains very different,” Foreign Minister stressed.
Wadephul noted that any deployment of European troops to Ukraine, as suggested by Trump, must be carefully negotiated.
“Everything is being prepared carefully—both militarily and from a security policy perspective. But I would advise waiting first: will negotiations even take place, and if so, will they lead to a reliable agreement? We are all waiting for Russia’s response,” he said.
He emphasized Germany’s consistent willingness to take responsibility in resolving the war.
“Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been fully engaged from the start. He visited Kyiv, participated in numerous conferences, and accompanied President Zelenskyy to Washington. Germany, its government, and the chancellor feel the weight of that responsibility,” Wadephul continued.
On the likelihood of a Zelenskyy-Putin meeting, Wadephul was candid: “Doubts are obvious because Russian leader Putin has not said ‘yes’ to the proposal for talks. President Zelenskyy has said he is ready for a bilateral meeting with Putin or a trilateral one including President Trump,” Foreign Minister claimed.
“Where is Putin’s agreement? We see that he continues daily attacks on Ukraine. He keeps coming up with new excuses and new conditions,” he said.
Wadephul added that the human and economic cost of the war is mounting for Russia. “Some days Russia loses thousands of young soldiers. This is an absolutely senseless war, causing enormous damage to Russia and its people,” he told DW.
“Putin must understand that if he is not ready to negotiate, new sanctions will follow. Europe, and I think the US, are prepared for that,” Wadephul stated.
When asked about potential venues for a meeting, including Geneva, Budapest, and Qatar, Wadephul said Berlin is not seeking to host the talks, citing Switzerland as a “very suitable country for such meetings”.
Previously Johann Wadephul had sharply criticized China for providing essential support to Russia’s war against Ukraine, as reported by Politico.
“Russia’s war is made possible by crucial Chinese support,” he said.
