Negotiations on ending the war may begin soon — Vadeful

Talks to end the war in Ukraine could begin soon. Signs of this were reported by the Foreign Minister of Germany, Johann Wadephul, in Strasbourg on 29 September, while answering questions from members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

At the same time, the minister acknowledged that Russia is not yet showing readiness to start such a dialogue. In his view, European states already need to determine what their relations with the Russian Federation should be after the war ends.

Wadephul noted that Germany and other countries of Europe have no grievances against Russia or the Russian people. He called the actions of the current Russian leadership, which unleashed the war against Ukraine, the problem. Therefore, in his assessment, the European security system will have to be built in the near future without the participation of Russia.

The minister also warned that Europe must not allow the USA to conduct negotiations on ending the Russian-Ukrainian war unilaterally.

Johann Wadephul stressed:

We must take part in them. After all, the war is being waged on European territory.

Any agreement to end the war, according to the head of the German Foreign Ministry, should first and foremost be approved by Ukraine.

Due to the lack of signs that Russia is ready to negotiate, European states intend to continue providing Ukraine with political, military and economic support. It will be especially important ahead of winter.

Strengthening Ukrainian air defense remains a separate priority. The German government continues to seek ways to transfer additional air defense (AD) systems to Ukraine. At the same time, as the minister noted, many countries, including Germany, have already approached the point beyond which further military assistance could harm their own security.

While in New York for the meeting of the UN General Assembly, Wadephul discussed support for Ukraine with ministers from European and Asian countries. According to him, representatives of at least two more states may soon announce deliveries of weapons to Ukraine.

The head of the German Foreign Ministry urged countries of Europe to act together to end the war, which is causing numerous human casualties on both sides, as quickly as possible.

Earlier we wrote:

• Russia is ready to resume talks without halting hostilities — Lavrov
• The US said there was “substantial progress” in talks to end the war
• The US spoke of new talks between Ukraine and Russia: a meeting may be announced soon
• In Kyiv, the return to tripartite talks and a winter package were discussed
• Talks between Ukraine and Russia stalled: ambassador named the side blocking agreements