FM Wadephul: Doubts about meeting of Zelenskyy and Putin
When asked whether he doubts a meeting between Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin will take place, Wadephul responded: “There are obvious doubts, because President Putin has not yet said 'yes' to negotiations. … All we're seeing is how he keeps attacking Ukraine every day. All we see is him employing delaying tactics.”
He continued: “Putin has to realize that if he isn't prepared to negotiate, there will be further sanctions. Europe, and I think the United States who are now involved, are prepared for that.”
About Zelenskyy’s meeting with President Donald Trump, Wadephul stated there is “a good chance that this is a step towards security and peace.” However, he advised caution: “I would nevertheless advise firstly waiting to see whether talks even take place. And secondly, if talks do happen, we must see whether an agreement is found that is durable. We are all waiting on Russia for that. Germany has so far never failed to show its readiness to take responsibility in this conflict.”
However, Germany does not have “any ambition to host these talks.” According to Wadephul, Switzerland could be considered a neutral venue.
Appeal to China: More influence on Russia
Regarding China’s role in negotiations about Ukraine’s future, Wadephul said: “China defines its role itself. China is an important country, a huge country which can have a lot of political influence, which has a lot of economic influence and is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. … hardly any other country, any other government, has such a strong influence on Russia as China. Unfortunately, China hasn't used its opportunities so far, but it is never too late.”
He added: “We have already appealed to China several times and during my last talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, I called for both him and the Chinese state and party leadership to make more explicit use of these resources in their dealings with Russia. I would be very pleased if this appeal was heard in Beijing.”
No recognition of Palestine yet – Criticism of Israeli settlement plans
When asked whether now might be the time for Germany to recognize Palestine, Wadephul replied: “No, our position remains that we instead see the recognition of a Palestinian state at the end of a process that must take place between the Israelis and the Palestinians. But this path must of course remain viable. And that's why its construction should not be allowed, not even as the kind of settlement we are warning against, and which we would regard as a breach of international law if carried out.”
Watch the complete interview here.