It would be great to reach peace deal by Christmas, German FM says
Photo: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized the importance of concluding an agreement on the use of Russia's frozen assets. He also noted that it would be great to reach a peace agreement by Christmas, The Guardian reports.
Wadephul said it is important to increase pressure on Russia, adding that Germany supports the EU's proposal to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.
He also remarked that reaching a peace agreement by Christmas would be great. At the same time, the German minister stressed that it must be "sustainable" and not the result of political haste.
"This is absolutely our target. And Putin has to know whatever happens he may be ready for an agreement or not, we will be supporting Ukraine, defending the sovereignty of Ukraine, and be with the people there," Wadephul added.
US peace plan
Trump told reporters that on Wednesday, December 10, he held a phone call with the leaders of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom about the situation in Ukraine. He said the conversation was conducted "in pretty strong words."
European leaders informed the US President about the situation in Ukraine. They stated that "intensive work on the peace plan" would continue in the coming days.
The next meeting between Starmer, Macron, and Merz is expected to take place on Monday, December 15, in Berlin.
RBC-Ukraine previously wrote that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said there is a need to test whether the Russian leader truly wants peace. According to him, US President Donald Trump is the only one who can force Putin to come to the negotiating table.
