Wadephul: Peace solution for Ukraine without Russia defeat!

Wadephul: Peace solution for Ukraine without Russia defeat!

Istanbul, Türkei - On May 30, 2025, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul commented in an interview with the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" on the current situation in the Ukraine conflict. He underlined that the war goal in Ukraine cannot be the military defeat in Russia. Instead, WadePhul believes that the war will be ended by a negotiating solution. This is particularly important to take into account the influence of nuclear weapons that Russia has. WadePhul also warned of an overestimation of the Russian war machinery and noted that the Russian army is unable to conquer the entire Ukraine despite high losses.

Special value attached WadePhul that Ukraine itself has to decide on its future without being decided over its heads. In this context, he was confident that the United States will support a new sanction path against Russia. This refers to a sanction package by US Senator Lindsey Graham, who is available in the Senate 80 supporters. WadePhul also noticed that US President Donald Trump is annoyed by the Russian attacks on Ukraine and therefore plays an active role in the topic.

international reactions and peace negotiations

The political situation remains tense, while Macron is planning a further exchange with Trump on May 17, 2025. Chancellor Merz regretted regret about the slow progress in peace efforts and saw the responsibility clearly at Moscow. Macron accused his Italian colleague Meloni of having spread false information about a meeting on Ukraine, and explained that the negotiations are not about military troop missions, but about peace and a ceasefire.

Talks took place in Istanbul, which were, however, viewed with skepticism. It was agreed to carry out a prisoner exchange, but the attacks continued unabated during the negotiations. While Russia indicates the results of the talks, the Ukrainian President Selenskyj said that the chance of peace was missed and also called for more international sanctions against Russia.

The geopolitical tensions

The geopolitical interaction is complex. Ukraine is aiming for the recovery of all areas occupied by Russia, including the Crimea. At the same time, Russia and Belarus are planning military maneuvers. Regardless of the claims for the return of occupied areas, Russia rejects concessions and requires an official waiver of NATO accession and "demilitarization" of Ukraine from Ukraine.

The United States and Europe support Kiev's position, while the EU tries to gain a say in future peace negotiations. The discussions about possible NATO membership of Ukraine remain a long-term goal, even if the prospect of joining is currently uncertain. This is also difficult by the changing position of the USA under President Trump, who demands more concessions from Ukraine.

Some European leaders consider the use of soil troops in Ukraine, while the majority consider this too dangerous. A special EU summit is imminent to clarify open questions about Europe's security, while the United States could possibly withdraw from military aid. In the middle of these uncertainties, the international community remains required to find solutions for the ongoing conflict.