German FM: Chance for Russia–Ukraine peace talks could open this summer

He made the statement in an interview with RTL, according to Ukrinform.

“I think there's now a chance to begin talks this summer,” Wadephul said.

The German Foreign Minister did not rule out the possibility that Russian President Vladimir Putin could be more open to dialogue than before. “He may now be at a stage where he's seriously considering it,” he said.

Wadephul noted that the current situation on the battlefield does not give either side a decisive military advantage. He also referred to a recent statement by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, suggesting that neither Russia nor Ukraine can achieve a military victory.

That was "an interesting statement from a very close ally of Putin,” he added.

At the same time, he stressed that Ukraine has remained ready for talks throughout the war, and that it is now up to Russia to decide whether it wants negotiations or continued fighting.

According to Wadephul, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, together with other European partners, have already sent a clear signal to Moscow. “We are also ready for talks,” he said.

The Minister added that Putin should recognize "that continuing the war really makes no sense," while Western sanctions continue to pressure Russia’s economy and support for Ukraine will not weaken.

“In a sober assessment, he should conclude that now is a good time to negotiate,” he said.

As reported by Ukrinform, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that efforts should be made to organize a meeting for peace negotiations with Russia before the onset of winter and that Ukraine is prepared to consider a neutral venue for such talks.