Germany insists Ukraine peace requires sovereignty recognition, security

Germany has outlined its fundamental requirements for any prospective peace agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing that sovereignty recognition and substantial security guarantees must form the foundation of any settlement. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius stated that Berlin supports peace efforts based on "the recognition of Ukraine's sovereignty and the commitment to solid security guarantees for Ukraine," while welcoming the initiation of new diplomatic initiatives.

Support for US Peace Initiative

The German government expressed approval for a recently proposed 28-point peace plan developed by the United States to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine. Kornelius stressed that in the peace process, "we must protect European and Ukrainian interests in the long term," indicating Germany's commitment to ensuring any agreement provides durable security arrangements and preserves Ukraine's territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagement

Chancellor Friedrich Merz canceled previously scheduled appointments to conduct urgent telephone discussions with Western leaders regarding the Ukraine peace process. According to German media reports, Merz is scheduled to speak directly with both US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscoring Germany's active diplomatic role in facilitating communication between key stakeholders in the conflict.

Preconditions for Negotiations

The German position aligns with statements made by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who emphasized Thursday that any peace negotiations with Russia must include both Ukrainian representation and participation from European nations. Wadephul had also stressed that a ceasefire should precede substantive talks to create conditions conducive to successful diplomacy, reflecting Germany's view that military de-escalation must accompany political negotiations.