German Foreign Minister Wadephul doubts Russia's Putin will meet Ukrainian President Zelenskyy

DW (English)

During his inaugural trip to Asia, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul gave his assessment of the current state of Russia's war against Ukraine in a DW interview. While international efforts to find a peaceful solution are increasing, Wadephul remains skeptical about whether a direct meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin will take place.

Transcript

00:00It has become clear that without security guarantees, there will be no peace in Ukraine.

00:06President Trump has also stated that he expects Europe, and in particular Germany, to send troops.

00:12When and how many?

00:17Yes, that will have to be discussed in detail together.

00:21And these talks are already happening, by the way.

00:24Careful preparations are being made in terms of military and security policy.

00:30I would nevertheless advise, firstly, waiting to see whether talks even take place.

00:36And secondly, if talks do happen, we must see whether an agreement is found that is durable.

00:42We're all waiting on Russia for that.

00:44Germany has so far never failed to show its readiness to take responsibility in this conflict.

00:51From the very start, practically straight after his swearing in, Chancellor Friedrich Merz showed every commitment.

00:58By travelling to Kyiv, by heading many meetings, and recently by accompanying President Zelensky to Washington.

01:06Germany is taking responsibility, in the form of the government and the Chancellor.

01:11It sounds as though you still have significant doubts that a meeting between Zelensky and Putin will take place.

01:19How big are these doubts, really?

01:22Well, there are obvious doubts, because President Putin has not yet said yes to negotiations.

01:30President Zelensky said he is ready to hold a bilateral meeting with Putin, and then a trilateral meeting with President Trump.

01:39Where is the yes from Putin?

01:42All we're seeing is how he keeps attacking Ukraine every day.

01:45All we see is him employing delaying tactics.

01:49All we see is him coming up with new excuses and new conditions.

01:53He finally has to understand that this war must be ended.

01:58On some days, Russia is also losing 1,000 young people in this war.

02:02It's a completely senseless war that is so very damaging to Russia and its people.

02:08And Putin has to realize that if he isn't prepared to negotiate, there will be further sanctions.

02:14Europe, and I think the United States, who are now involved, are prepared for that.

02:23Shouldn't China really be involved in the talks over Ukraine's future?

02:29Putin is visiting Beijing at the start of September.

02:33China defines its role itself.

02:37China is an important country, a huge country, which can have a lot of political influence,

02:42which has a lot of economic influence, and is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

02:49And for a long time now, we've been calling on China to use these opportunities

02:53and help ensure the war is ended.

02:56Hardly any other country, any other government, has such a strong influence on Russia as China.

03:02Unfortunately, China hasn't used its opportunities so far, but it's never too late.

03:07So you're saying that you would welcome it?

03:15Yes, of course. We've already appealed to China several times.

03:19I would be very pleased if this appeal was heard in Beijing.

03:23No matter if they are không인�osed.

03:23Okay.

03:23Well done.

03:24Great.

03:24Well done.

03:25Well done.

03:32Great.

03:33You're welcome.

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