German FM signals Berlin missing from Russia–US Ukraine discussions

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin had not been notified of secret Russia–US negotiations on a peace plan for Ukraine.

He added that the German government is unaware of any such initiative, Caliber.Az reports, citing POLITICO.

The minister referred to “ongoing efforts by all international partners to finally get President Putin to the negotiating table.”

FM also welcomed the joint meetings in Istanbul and any steps that move in the direction of peace. “We naturally support everything that leads in this direction,” Wadephul noted.

His remarks came amid reports that Ukrainian and European officials were stunned by news of a new US peace plan for Ukraine.

US Special Envoy Steven Whitkoff began drafting the proposal in late October after meeting in Miami with Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian president’s special representative.

The 28-point plan would require major concessions from Ukraine — including limits on its military and the loss of significant territory — though the details remain negotiable. Washington is also debating whether to address NATO membership, a particularly sensitive issue for both Kyiv and Moscow.

European governments are reportedly alarmed, fearing territorial concessions would reward Russian aggression. Moscow’s demands appear similar to proposals previously rejected by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, including expanded Russian control in eastern Ukraine and restrictions on future Western security guarantees.

Amid growing concern, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was urgently sent to Kyiv to present the draft and gather feedback before consulting NATO allies. The White House remains optimistic, suggesting an agreement could be reached within weeks.

Since taking office in January, Trump has repeatedly sought to draw Russia into serious talks, but months of high-level contacts — including the Alaska summit — have yet to produce results.

By Jeyhun Aghazada