Germany’s Wadephul Says Europe Must Join Ukraine Peace Talks as Russia Shows No Serious Willingness to Negotiate

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has warned that Russia has shown no serious willingness to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, insisting that Europe must have a seat at the table as U.S.-mediated peace talks approach.

Speaking in Paris on Monday, November 9, after meeting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of a G7 gathering, Wadephul said the coming days would reveal whether Moscow was genuinely interested in peace or merely trying to prolong the conflict.

“It must become clear over the next few days whether Russia is genuinely prepared to negotiate,” he said.

Wadephul criticized Moscow for continuing its attacks while failing to make meaningful concessions.

“We see absolutely no substantial contribution toward getting serious negotiations underway,” he said. “If that changes, everyone is prepared to engage very constructively. But Russia has not demonstrated that so far.”

His warning came ahead of U.S.-mediated talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives scheduled for November 10–11 in Abu Dhabi. Wadephul urged Moscow to abandon its maximalist demands and demonstrate a genuine willingness to reach an agreement.

Ukraine, he said, was prepared to negotiate if Russia showed the same commitment. But any settlement would also require European involvement.

“I have also made it clear once again that Europe belongs at that table. There can be no solution without Europe, only with Europe,” Wadephul said.

“This concerns European security interests. It concerns Ukraine’s future in Europe.”

The German minister also rejected proposals for a new European security architecture, arguing that the existing international agreements protecting national borders and state sovereignty should instead be respected.

Turning to Iran, Wadephul called for a permanent end to Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities and any nuclear weapons program, saying Germany and the United States shared that objective.

He nevertheless opposed further military escalation, insisting that the conflict required a diplomatic solution.

Berlin supports continuing indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran while maintaining economic pressure, including sanctions, until Iran demonstrates a credible willingness to address international concerns over its nuclear activities and regional conduct.

Wadephul said Germany would continue working with European and regional partners to advance negotiations, with another diplomatic meeting expected in early December.