‘Putin Doesn’t Want Negotiations, He Wants Capitulation’ – German FM Says During Kyiv Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin has no interest in peace talks and instead wants Ukraine to surrender, Germany’s foreign minister said Monday during a surprise visit to Kyiv.

“Putin is not giving up on his maximalist demands – he doesn’t want negotiations, he wants capitulation,” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters after arriving in the Ukrainian capital.

The visit comes as Russian forces intensify their attacks across Ukraine, with frequent missile and drone strikes on cities like Dnipro, Odesa, Sumy, Kharkiv and Kyiv. Moscow’s offensive, now in its fourth year, has led to some of the deadliest fighting since the 2022 invasion.

Wadephul also warned that Russia is “betting on a weakening of our support” and is determined to achieve “conquest and submission at any cost – even at the cost of hundreds of thousands of additional lives.”

“Ukraine’s freedom and liberty is the most important task of our foreign and security policy,” he added in a statement released by the German Foreign Ministry, AFP reported.

The visit reflects Germany’s push to show continued support for Ukraine as the country faces critical shortages of air defenses and weapons amid Russia’s latest offensive.