German Foreign Minister: Ukraine Will Have to Make “Painful Concessions” for Peace

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that during the peace talks, Ukraine may find itself in a situation where it will have to make “painful concessions,” which could end with a referendum. He made the remark on December 2 in an interview with Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, nv.ua reports citing n-tv.de “This will undoubtedly be an extremely difficult process for Ukraine, which may end with a referendum,” he said. He noted that the citizens would then decide whether they are ready to accept the terms of peace, which entail territorial concessions to Russia. Wadephul believes that the task of diplomacy is to seek compromises that are acceptable to both sides, and that such processes always involve “painful concessions”. He noted that thanks to international diplomatic efforts, the chances for a truce are now higher than ever, but Ukraine must receive security guarantees that will rule out a renewed Russian aggression.