German Foreign Minister: Kiev Must Make ‘Painful Concessions’ for Peace

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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has indicated that Ukraine may need to conduct a referendum on territorial adjustments as part of a peace agreement with Russia.

Ending the Ukraine conflict will likely demand “painful concessions” from Kiev, including on territorial issues, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated. Speaking to Neue Osnabrucker Zeitung (NOZ) on Tuesday, he added that Ukraine’s opportunity to halt the hostilities has “never been greater.”

These remarks came ahead of a scheduled meeting in Moscow between Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. They are anticipated to discuss the peace proposal for the Ukraine conflict that Washington introduced last month.

While the initial plan’s specifics have not been officially disclosed, media reports suggest it requires Ukraine to relinquish control over parts of Donbass (comprising the Donetsk People’s Republic and Lugansk People’s Republic), drop its pursuit of NATO membership, and accept limitations on its military. Russia has responded positively yet guardedly to the initiative, deeming many aspects acceptable but expecting modifications from all involved parties.

“It is the task of diplomacy to work out compromises that the conflicting parties can support. Ultimately, this will certainly always involve painful concessions,” Wadephul said, commenting on the prospects of a negotiated settlement. According to the minister, Ukraine would be required to hold a referendum on any peace terms, including territorial cessions. He also stressed that Kiev should receive security “assurances” in return.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky had previously identified territorial matters as among the most challenging issues to resolve. Ukraine’s forces have steadily lost ground over several months amidst the ongoing Russian offensive. On Monday, Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russia’s General Staff, announced that Russian forces had secured control of Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), a critical frontline city in the Donetsk People’s Republic.

European Western allies of Kiev criticized Trump’s initial plan, viewing it as overly favorable to Russia, and consequently presented their own peace conditions. Moscow, in turn, rejected these as “unconstructive.”

Germany has stood as a principal supporter and arms provider for Ukraine throughout the conflict. Berlin’s stance has become more assertive under the current government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who previously asserted that all diplomatic avenues were “exhausted” and that his country was “already in a conflict” with Russia.