German FM warns Ukraine may face “painful concessions” amid peace talks

Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has cautioned that Ukraine may be compelled to make “painful concessions” in efforts to end Russia’s war of aggression, a process that could ultimately culminate in a referendum.

In an interview with German media, Wadephul stated, “This will undoubtedly be an extraordinarily difficult process for Ukraine, which may end with a referendum.”

He explained that Ukrainian citizens would then have to decide whether they can accept the conditions for ending the war — referring specifically to Russia’s demand for significant territorial concessions. “The task of diplomacy is to craft compromises that both sides of the conflict can support. Ultimately, this will always involve painful concessions,” the minister emphasized.

Wadephul added that, thanks to international diplomatic efforts, the chances for a ceasefire “have never been greater” than at present. He underscored that an essential prerequisite for any agreement is that Ukraine receives guarantees ensuring it will not be left defenseless against renewed Russian aggression.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted that three key issues are currently generating the most debate within discussions on the “peace plan.”

On the evening of November 30, a nearly five-hour meeting took place between US President Donald Trump’s team and the Ukrainian delegation to discuss the peace plan. Following the briefing, Zelenskyy described the negotiations as showing constructive progress, while Trump spoke of a “chance for a deal.”

The developments signal ongoing high-level diplomatic engagement aimed at achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict, even as the prospect of painful compromises remains a stark reality for Kyiv.

By Vafa Guliyeva