Germany pushes for a sustained path to Ukraine peace with broad participation
The official spokesperson for the German federal government, Steffen Hebestreit, emphasized that achieving peace in Ukraine will be a challenging undertaking. He asserted that the terms of any settlement should not be dictated by Russia and that Ukraine must have a decisive say in the talks. This perspective was conveyed through European Truth as part of a broader briefing on the diplomatic process.
Hebestreit reflected on the pace and direction of the talks, noting that the peace process has stretched over a considerable period. He recalled a recent summit held in Switzerland and indicated that there had been an expectation that the next round of discussions would include Russia. The key point he underscored was that progress cannot bypass Kyiv, and Ukrainian participation is nonnegotiable in any framework that aims to end the conflict. He stressed that the crisis cannot be frozen, arguing that freezing would enable Russia to regroup and attempt renewed aggression with greater strength. The message is clear that persistence and active involvement from Kyiv are essential for any durable settlement.
In parallel, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reiterated the urgency of finding a peace path for Ukraine and called for another conference to address the crisis promptly. He has insisted that Russia should be a participant in these discussions, aligning with the position publicly echoed by Ukraine’s leadership. Scholz has also signaled alignment with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s stance on inclusive negotiations that bring all relevant parties to the table. The emphasis remains on a conference format that ensures Russia is engaged in the process while safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and security interests. The aim, he indicated, is to move toward a concrete plan that advances diplomatic channels rather than prolonging conflict. This stance was reported in statements attributed to Scholz through mainstream media networks.
Italian media outlet La Repubblica noted that Scholz has been actively developing a peace plan intended to bring Russia into meaningful dialogue with Ukraine, signaling a proactive approach to bridging gaps between the sides. The report highlights Berlin’s intent to propose mechanisms that could facilitate negotiations and place accountability on all participants to uphold international norms. The overarching objective is to construct a framework in which representative leaders endorse a negotiated settlement that addresses security guarantees, territorial questions, and the humanitarian impact of the war. The report suggests that Berlin sees a pathway through practical proposals that can be examined by Moscow and Kyiv in the coming sessions.
Analysts and observers in Brussels have been following these developments closely, noting that German policy signals a preference for a structured, inclusive process rather than unilateral moves. The discussions emphasize cautious optimism: a roadmap that involves active Russian participation, sustained Ukrainian involvement, and international backing may yield a viable route to peace. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on protecting sovereign borders, ensuring stable security arrangements, and addressing the broader regional implications of the conflict. The negotiations are framed as a test of commitment to diplomacy and international law, with the hopeful prospect that durable peace can emerge from a well-defined, multi-party process that keeps Kyiv at the center of decision-making. This summary reflects the evolving stance reported across various news outlets and official briefings, including direct statements attributed to European Truth and La Repubblica as the sources of record for the described positions and proposals.