Berlin to Moscow: Germany ready to talk, not ready to yield

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he is in principle open to negotiations with Russia aimed at achieving a sustainable peace in Ukraine, while stressing that Berlin would not make concessions to Moscow.

Speaking at the “Cafe Kyiv” forum organised by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Berlin, Wadephul emphasised that Ukraine must lead any diplomatic process.

“Ukraine must, of course, be the first to speak. But we are also ready to talk,” he said.

At the same time, the German minister ruled out compromise measures toward Moscow. “But we will not arrive in Moscow and make further concessions. We will not do that,” he stated, adding that Germany would participate in talks only if hostilities stopped and Russia demonstrated a genuine willingness to negotiate. “If the shooting stops, if there is a serious willingness to talk, then we will certainly be involved.”

Wadephul also rejected calls from some members of Germany’s centre-left Social Democratic Party urging new diplomatic initiatives toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, including fresh ceasefire proposals.

“There is no shortage of communication channels. But a channel is useless if he does not want to talk,” he said, adding bluntly: “We are not begging him. We expect that at some point, one of the reasonable proposals will be accepted.”

His remarks came as February 24, 2026, marked four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine — a conflict widely regarded as one of the most consequential wars in Europe since World War II.

On February 24, 2022, Russian forces entered Ukraine from several directions, including Belarus, Russia, and Crimea, following months of military buildup. Moscow described the operation as a “special military operation,” while Kyiv and Western governments condemned it as an unprovoked invasion.

Russia initially attempted a rapid advance toward Kyiv but failed to seize the capital. Ukrainian forces later pushed Russian troops out of northern regions in 2022, after which the fighting shifted largely to eastern and southern Ukraine. The war evolved into a prolonged, high-intensity conflict characterised by trench warfare, heavy artillery exchanges, drone operations, and repeated missile strikes on infrastructure.

The conflict has caused widespread destruction across Ukrainian cities, displaced millions of civilians internally and abroad, and resulted in heavy military and civilian casualties. Ukraine’s economy has depended heavily on Western financial and military assistance, while Russia has faced sweeping international sanctions.

The war has also reshaped global security dynamics. NATO expanded with new members, Western countries increased military aid to Kyiv, and relations between Russia and Western nations deteriorated sharply. Multiple diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire have failed to produce a breakthrough.

By early 2026, front lines remain largely static, with neither side achieving a decisive advantage. The war continues to affect global energy markets, defence policies, and geopolitical alignments, while Ukraine and its partners mark the anniversary amid ongoing fighting.

By Tamilla Hasanova