German Foreign Minister: peace may require painful concessions

German Foreign Minister says peace for Ukraine may require «painful concessions», including a referendum

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Johannes Wadefuhl said that achieving peace between Ukraine and Russia may require Kyiv to «painful and difficult concessions». He said this in an interview with the German media, commenting on the prospects for future negotiations.

According to Wadeful, diplomacy should work on compromises that capable of supporting both sides of the conflict, although these decisions may be «extremely unpopular».

Referendum questions

In the context of possible agreements on the territories, the minister suggested that Ukraine would probably have to all-Ukrainian referendum, If the compromise is about borders.

He emphasised that the issue of territorial integrity, according to the Constitution of Ukraine, should be approved by by popular vote.

At the same time, Vadeful admitted that it was legally extremely difficult, since:

• in the period of martial law Referendums are prohibited,

• Any such procedures require security guarantees, which cannot be provided at present.

Context.

Wadefuhl's statement came amid intensified discussions on the terms of a possible peaceful settlement and initiatives by international partners. Germany remains one of the leading countries that supports Ukraine diplomatically, militarily and financially, but is also involved in the search for a long-term security model.

The discussion of possible compromises, including territorial ones, is a hotly contested issue in Ukrainian society, where any concessions in favour of the aggressor are seen as unacceptable.

Ukraine's response

Official Kyiv has not yet commented on the German Foreign Minister's statement. The President and the government have repeatedly stated that the territorial integrity of Ukraine is not a subject of bargaining, and any decisions on peace must be in line with national interests.