The German federal government has welcomed the new mediation efforts undertaken by the United States concerning the war in Ukraine. Speaking to the dts news agency on Monday regarding the negotiations held the previous day in Kyiv, deputy government spokesperson Sebastian Hille stated, “I can only say that it is good that such talks are taking place, and I can also confirm that we were involved in these discussions through the political adviser to the Chancellor.”
Hille added that the participation of the E3 countries was requested by both the Ukrainian and the U.S. sides. The goal of the talks, he explained, “is to explore ways in which a negotiation process can come about.” However, he noted that the starting situation remains unchanged from many months ago: “Ukraine is ready to move toward a diplomatic path, while Russia rejects any such direction and insists on maximalist demands.”
The US negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived in Kyiv the day before yesterday as envoys of Donald Trump. This trip marked their first official visit to Ukraine’s capital.
