Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul of the CDU sees an opportunity for new talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking on the RTL program “Nachtjournal Spezial,” the CDU politician suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might now be more open to negotiations.
“I believe there is now a chance to start discussions this summer,” Wadephul stated, adding that regarding Putin, “he may be in a phase where he is seriously considering it.” He noted that militarily, the war currently offers no decisive advantage to either side; “all that happens is death. Every day.”
Wadephul referenced a recent comment by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, who stated that neither Russia nor Ukraine could win the war militarily. Wadephul described this as “an interesting statement from a very close ally of Putin.” He stressed that Ukraine “has been ready for negotiations all along,” concluding that the decision now rests with Vladimir Putin: “whether he wants to negotiate or keep shooting.”
Wadephul mentioned that Germany, France, and Great Britain, alongside their European partners, have shown the initiative by sending a signal to Moscow. “We are also ready for talks,” he confirmed.
The Foreign Minister expressed cautious optimism that a change in course could occur in the Kremlin. He believes Putin must recognize that continuing the war makes no sense. While support for Ukraine will not diminish, the sanctions currently being imposed are putting pressure on the Russian economy. “In a clear-headed assessment, he should come to the conclusion that now is a good time to negotiate,” Wadephul argued. He believes there is a “realistic chance” of bringing the conflict toward a solution, and that this realistic chance should be utilized.
