German FM Wadephul rules out Russian surrender with nuclear arsenal in play

Johann Wadephul said that, in his view, it had been clear from the very beginning that the war would most likely end through negotiations. He added that one thing was certain — a total defeat, meaning Russia's surrender with its nuclear weapons, could not be expected. He noted that they had become a bit more honest about this now.

According to Wadephul, Germany does not see Moscow's military defeat as the goal for ending the war. Instead, Germany aims to ensure Ukraine can defend itself against further Russian aggression.

The German Foreign Minister stated that Ukraine has the potential to hold a strong negotiating position in talks with Russia to end the war. He added that it was essential for Ukraine to make the decision itself, rather than having it imposed upon it.

The German Foreign Minister also expressed confidence that the US will support EU pressure on Moscow through sanctions. He added that the question of future US aid to Ukraine remains open, which should push the EU to take new steps.

However, Wadephul warned against overestimating the strength of Russia's "war machine."

He said that, after all, Russia had been trying for three years to achieve a goal Putin had expected to reach in just a few days.

Germany's stance on Ukraine

Since the full-scale war began, Germany has remained one of Ukraine's key partners. Berlin is among the leaders in military aid.

Ukraine has received tanks, air defense systems, artillery, armored vehicles, and shells from Germany. However, discussions about possible deliveries of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine continue.

Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz is less categorical about potential missile transfers than his predecessor, Olaf Scholz. However, Merz wants the discussions to stay out of the public eye.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently visited Germany, where he discussed Taurus missiles with Merz.