German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul plans to speak with U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio to encourage greater personal involvement in diplomatic efforts concerning the war in Ukraine. Wadephul noted that U.S. diplomacy has largely been handled by presidential envoys.
The initiative highlights Germany's efforts to revive stalled diplomatic channels for the Ukraine war and suggests a potential shift in U.S. engagement if Senator Rubio becomes more directly involved.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul intends to speak with his U.S. counterpart, Marco Rubio, to encourage a more active personal role in diplomatic efforts concerning the war in Ukraine. Wadephul told Deutschlandfunk that U.S. diplomacy on the conflict has largely been managed by presidential envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Wadephul, who recently visited Ukraine, expressed hope that he could "encourage him (Rubio) myself to do more there." He added that Berlin is exploring other avenues to help restart negotiations, including contacts with countries such as Turkey, several Gulf states, and Egypt, which maintain closer ties with Russia.
Negotiations between Russia and the U.S. aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine have reportedly stalled, partly due to the ongoing war in Iran. The Kremlin has stated it has no current information regarding a potential next visit by Kushner and Witkoff. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov indicated on Friday that Russia is open to listening to Rubio's new proposals and continuing dialogue with Washington.