Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), asserted a firm stance regarding future negotiations with Moscow, emphasizing that any concessions must originate from Ukraine, not from Berlin. Speaking on the sidelines of a NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Wadephul explicitly stated that Germany possesses no authority to dictate terms in potential agreements, placing the onus squarely on Kyiv.
His comments underscore a growing tension surrounding the direction of peace talks, particularly as pressure mounts to explore pathways toward de-escalation. Critics have already pointed to the potential for such a position to unduly constrain Ukraine’s negotiating power and risk accepting terms detrimental to its long-term sovereignty.
Concerning recently concluded discussions in Moscow, Wadephul acknowledged a lack of immediate detailed briefings regarding the conversations initiated by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He explained that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the primary U.S. negotiators, are still en route. The prevailing consensus, according to Wadephul, centers on continued unwavering support for Ukraine, coupled with a concerted effort to compel Russia to engage in dialogue. Importantly, he clarified that questions pertaining to European Union and NATO expansion are being deliberately excluded from the current process, framing them as issues to be addressed at a “later format”. This deliberate separation raises questions about a potentially compartmentalized approach to the conflict and whether security concerns for Ukraine are being adequately prioritized alongside potential diplomatic breakthroughs.
Despite Rubio’s physical absence, Wadephul affirmed a robust level of coordination with Washington, citing a recent productive conversation. He characterized U.S. representation as “high-ranking” and reiterated the continued significance of the relationship for Germany. Wadephul dismissed concerns regarding a potential sidelining of Europe in the U.S.-led diplomatic effort, expressing confidence in the initiative and reassuring that Germany feels “well-protected”. However, this sentiment has sparked debate amongst analysts questioning the extent of European involvement and the potential for divergent strategic approaches.