The German federal government expressed approval of an open letter written by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which he proposed a personal meeting between the two leaders. According to Deputy Government Spokesman Sebastian Hille, who stated this on Friday at the request of dts Nachrichtenagentur, Germany shares Zelenskyy’s view that European and United States representatives should be involved in any talks with Russia. Hille emphasized that decisions concerning Ukraine must not be made without Ukrainian input, just as Europeans cannot accept decisions made without their consultation.
Despite welcoming the concept of dialogue, the German government maintains that there is no indication that Russia is ready to begin negotiations. “On the contrary,” Hille noted, “we regularly observe brutal attacks.” He stressed that it rests with Russia to sincerely seek peace and provide credible signals that they genuinely wish to negotiate.
The Ukrainian president had released an open letter addressing Putin on Thursday evening. In this letter, Zelenskyy attributed sole responsibility for the war to Russia and highlighted the military, economic, and political costs the invasion has incurred. He emphasized that Ukraine successfully resisted the Russian aggression, continues to receive international support, and is becoming increasingly isolated internationally.
Zelenskyy specifically suggested direct negotiations between himself and Putin, ideally conducted in a neutral country such as Turkey, Switzerland, or an Arab nation. As preconditions for any discussions, he offered a full ceasefire during the negotiation period, prisoner exchanges based on an ‘all for all’ principle, and the repatriation of abducted civilians and children. While urging Putin to end the war, Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine would continue fighting if the conflict persisted, implying Russia should anticipate growing difficulties.
