Germany says was not briefed on reported US peace plan for Ukraine
2 Min Read
Germany says it was not informed of Washington's reported new peace initiative for Ukraine, even as US media point to secret US-Russia consultations and ongoing diplomatic activity in Istanbul.
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German national flags wave on top of the Reichstag Building, the house of the German parliament Bundestag during a debate about the budget 2025, in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP)
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Wednesday that Berlin has not been notified of any new American proposal aimed at advancing a political settlement in Ukraine.
His remarks came after several media outlets suggested that Washington is quietly working on a fresh approach to end the conflict.
Earlier in the day, the Financial Times reported that the emerging US plan could involve scaling back American military support for Kiev as part of a broader effort to encourage negotiations.
Asked whether Germany had received any information about such an initiative, Wadephul replied: "No, we were not informed about this [plan]."
Wadephul reaffirmed Berlin's view that diplomacy remains essential, stressing that discussions must continue despite the uncertainty surrounding Washington's intentions. "There is no alternative to negotiations," he said, adding that current contacts, including those underway in Istanbul, appear to be moving in that direction.
"This is how I understand the joint meetings currently taking place in Istanbul, and everything moving in that direction. We, of course, support this," he told reporters.
Secret Talks Advance
Multiple US media outlets have recently pointed to intensified behind-the-scenes activity.
Politico reported that a preliminary framework could be finalized by the end of November, or even sooner, while Axios, citing both Russian and American sources, disclosed that Washington has been engaged in "secret consultations" with Moscow on a potential settlement formula.
Negotiations facilitated by Turkey have taken place before. Moscow and Kiev held three rounds of direct talks in Istanbul, which produced a prisoner exchange and an exchange of draft documents outlining possible terms for ending hostilities.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has repeatedly signaled that the Kremlin remains open to dialogue.
He has said that Moscow is willing to examine political solutions "in any format," and noted that Kiev has yet to react to Russia's July proposal to establish three working groups dedicated to humanitarian, military, and political issues.
Lavrov also stated that it was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who turned down President Vladimir Putin's invitation to visit Moscow for direct talks.
Read more: New Trump proposal involves major Ukrainian concessions to Russia
