Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, referring to the US plan to end the war in Ukraine, stressed the importance of a credible and long-term peace. "What can be called peace must be a credible and just peace," Wadephul told German broadcaster ARD's "tagesthemen."
"We may be on the verge of a ceasefire. Whether it will be a peace agreement is still very much open." A peace agreement only makes sense if it offers a guarantee that it will last. But security guarantees - which have so far only been vaguely described in the American plan - are of great importance, according to the German Foreign Minister.
Risk of a new Russian attack
Wadephul stressed that Russia started the war, it refuses a ceasefire and “violates international law and just keeps firing.” He warned of the risk that Russia, which is currently engaged in a massive military buildup, could attack again after a peace agreement.
"I doubt that this will be possible very soon," Wadephul continued. Germany and its European partners are "advocates for Ukraine" and will represent European interests in this process. The US government's plan contains points "that, in our opinion, are assessed differently from a European perspective." Many of these points need to be discussed again. He did not provide further details. Ultimately, however, it is "Ukraine's sovereign decision" what to sign and what not to.
Wadephul warns against haste
US President Donald Trump has now put pressure on Ukraine by issuing an ultimatum demanding acceptance of the plan by Thursday - otherwise, he apparently intends to withdraw US support. However, Wadephul warned against "rushing" in an interview with the news program "tagesthemen".
The plan, presented by the US as a step towards peace, includes 28 points. It demands numerous concessions from Ukraine to Russia. Wadephul explained that the details had only recently become known to the Europeans. A counterproposal is being drafted "with great urgency". "There is still a lot of work to be done".
As announced by the British government, Ukraine's partners will meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit to discuss a full ceasefire. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed that Britain will continue to coordinate closely with Washington and Kiev to achieve peace in Ukraine./DW
