Tokyo: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has urged Western allies to intensify pressure on Russia and strengthen support for Ukraine ahead of a crucial summit in Washington that will bring together U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and key European leaders.
Speaking on Monday, Wadephul stressed that Europe must remain united and proactive, ensuring that Ukraine is not sidelined in ongoing discussions about peace in the region. He argued that sanctions against Moscow should remain in place until a just and sustainable agreement is reached, adding that any negotiations must include Kyiv as an equal partner.
The Washington summit is expected to be a pivotal moment in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, along with leaders from France, the UK, Italy, Canada, and Finland, will join the talks. Ahead of the meeting, European officials held virtual discussions to coordinate their position, reaffirming that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected in any deal.
European leaders are also pushing for robust security guarantees for Ukraine, potentially modeled on NATO’s collective defense commitments. This is seen as a way to ensure long-term stability and deter further Russian aggression.
President Trump has shifted his approach in recent weeks, stepping back from earlier demands for an immediate ceasefire and instead emphasizing direct negotiations. This change has raised concerns among European allies, who fear it could give Moscow greater leverage. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy has cautioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s peace overtures may be a bluff, warning that Ukraine will not accept any settlement that forces it to cede territory.
As the summit approaches, tensions remain high. Germany’s call for stronger pressure on Russia reflects a broader European effort to balance Trump’s negotiating strategy with a firm defense of Ukrainian interests. The outcome of the Washington talks could set the course for the next phase of the conflict and determine whether diplomacy leads to a durable peace or a fragile truce.