Germany calls on Moscow to find workable compromises for peace
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin (Photo: Getty Images)
The German government has welcomed the first prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia in a long time, while also urging Moscow to make viable compromises in peace negotiations, states government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius.
“We welcome the prisoner exchange,” Kornelius stated, but stressed that Berlin expects more substantial progress in the negotiation process.
According to him, Russia continues to insist on maximalist demands, but it is time to reach a mutual agreement with Ukraine.
“We call on Moscow to abandon these demands and seek viable compromises,” the German government spokesperson emphasized.
Stefan Kornelius also commented on the issue of €90 billion in EU financial assistance to Ukraine, which Members of the European Parliament were set to vote on February 10. He said Ukraine could use these funds to purchase, among other items, British weapons.
“As far as I understand,” the German government representative added.
The outlet recalls that France had insisted the loan funds be used exclusively to purchase weapons from EU countries. However, Berlin and several of Ukraine’s allies advocated granting Kyiv greater flexibility in how it uses the financing.
Peace talks and Moscow’s ultimatums
As is known, the latest two rounds of peace negotiations on Ukraine were held in Abu Dhabi on February 4–5, with Russia, the US, and Ukraine taking part.
The sides discussed possible parameters for ending the war, as well as mechanisms for introducing and monitoring a ceasefire.
However, key issues remain problematic - namely, territorial questions and, in particular, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
Russia insists on the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donbas and full control over eastern Ukraine. Moreover, the Kremlin recently stated it expects international recognition of the Donbas as Russian.
Russia has also made claims regarding the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, including control over their unoccupied territories. The issue of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is also contentious.
Moscow seeks full control of the plant and, in return, offers to sell electricity to Ukraine at a low price - demands that Kyiv and its allies categorically reject.
The next round of negotiations may take place in the US, though the meeting date is still unknown.
