German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to enter negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Speaking during an official visit to Mexico City, Wadephul said, “It is time to come to the negotiating table.”
Wadephul stressed that Europe must play a central role in any future peace process. He said decisions about the security of the European continent cannot be made without the direct involvement of European countries.
He added that issues such as security guarantees for Ukraine and the path toward Ukrainian membership in the European Union must be discussed “with the Europeans and by the Europeans.” His remarks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed direct talks with Putin.
On June 4, Zelensky published an open letter inviting the Russian president to an in-person meeting to discuss ways to end the war. Wadephul’s comments were made in that context and reiterated Germany’s view that Europe should be directly involved in any settlement.