German foreign minister says European security depends on Ukraine’s future

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has firmly asserted that Europe will play a decisive role in shaping the future of Ukraine, countering perceptions that European nations are mere bystanders in the ongoing conflict.

Speaking to German media following a meeting with his EU counterparts, Wadephul emphasized that Europeans are “standing closely together” and will therefore “be heard” in both Washington and Moscow, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

His remarks come ahead of a series of high-level online discussions scheduled for August 13, convened by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The meetings will include key leaders from France, Britain, Italy, Poland, Finland, NATO’s Secretary General, top EU officials, as well as former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“It’s important that Trump listens to the European voice, and it is good that Germany is making it heard,” Wadephul stated. “The Europeans carry a lot of weight simply because they have a common position.”

Wadephul reiterated Europe’s clear stance that any negotiations concerning Ukraine’s future must only proceed following a ceasefire that is both agreed upon and respected. He described the upcoming summit as “a beginning”—an initial forum to discuss the conditions under which formal peace talks could be initiated.

“The mere fact Ukraine is now willing to discuss the status quo is already a concession because Russia is occupying Ukrainian territory in violation of international law,” he noted, underscoring that “the weapons have got to fall silent to allow talks.”

Central to Wadephul’s message was the assertion that only Kyiv has the sovereign right to determine Ukraine’s fate. “We Europeans can’t allow anyone else to decide on it,” he declared. “We’re not going to do it and neither can the United States of America.”

Acknowledging the complexity of the situation, Wadephul conceded that a future peace agreement might “possibly include concessions” by Ukraine, though he emphasized that such matters “are a question to be decided later.” The current week’s talks aim primarily to establish “fair conditions for these negotiations.”

Framing the issue within the broader context of continental stability, Wadephul stressed that “the future of Ukraine is about European security,” and that European leaders will not stand idly by “while decisions are taken over the Europeans’ heads.”

Concluding his remarks, he reaffirmed Europe’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine throughout the conflict, with Germany continuing to remain “at the forefront of this support.”

By Vafa Guliyeva