Germany's Wadephul to Push Rubio for Greater Role in Ukraine Peace Efforts

Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Foreign Minister, is scheduled to speak with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio via phone on Monday. He intends to encourage Rubio to play a more active personal role in diplomatic attempts to end the conflict in Ukraine.

Wadephul discussed the upcoming conversation with German radio broadcaster Deutschlandfunk following his recent visit to Ukraine. He stated that Berlin wishes to maintain tight ties with the United States as efforts to reopen negotiations continue.

Germany’s Wadephul Seeks Greater U.S. Involvement

According to Wadephul, presidential envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have led most of the United States’ diplomatic efforts in the Ukraine conflict. He stated that he would push Rubio to become more actively part in the process.

“I may be able to encourage him (Rubio) myself to do more there,” Wadephul told the station.

Germany is also using other diplomatic channels to help restart negotiations. According to Wadephul, Berlin has been discussing with countries that have closer links with Russia than most European governments.

Germany in Contact With Turkey and Gulf States

According to Wadephul, Germany is in communication with Turkey, numerous Gulf states, and Egypt. These countries have maintained close connections with Russia and may provide alternative routes for diplomatic engagement.

Berlin is pursuing these contacts since negotiations between Russia and the United States have made little forward. The negotiations are aimed at finding a way to stop the situation in Ukraine.

Wadephul’s planned talk with Rubio follows his travel to Ukraine, where he discussed the ongoing violence and diplomatic efforts. His remarks indicate that Germany wants Washington to remain actively involved in efforts to restart negotiations.

Russia-US Talks Have Stalled

Efforts by Russia and the US to negotiate an agreement to stop the war in Ukraine have largely failed. The diplomatic position has also been influenced by the conflict in Iran, which has attracted world attention and complicated the larger diplomatic picture.

Last week, the Kremlin stated it had not received any information on Kushner and Witkoff’s impending visit. The two US presidential envoys have played key roles in Washington’s recent diplomatic interactions related to the Ukraine conflict.

Wadephul’s contact with Rubio may provide Germany with an opportunity to advocate for more US involvement in the negotiations. At the same time, Berlin is continuing discussions with Turkey, the Gulf states, and Egypt to find other methods to encourage a return to talks.