Wadephul Calls Putin’s G20 Invitation A Test Of His Readiness For Talks

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump's invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the upcoming G20 summit in Miami, stating that the invitation could serve as a litmus test for Putin's willingness to engage in serious negotiations, UATV English reports. During a visit to Ottawa, Wadephul commented that the invitation could provide an opportunity to determine whether Putin is ready to enter meaningful diplomatic discussions.

The German minister emphasized that Berlin has consistently called on the Russian leadership to sit down at the negotiating table, and if this invitation represents one such opportunity, it could potentially mark the beginning of serious negotiations.

Wadephul also noted that a ceasefire would be necessary for genuinely substantive negotiations to take place, highlighting the importance of ceasing hostilities before meaningful diplomatic efforts could be undertaken. The German foreign minister's stance on using the invitation as a diplomatic opportunity was more supportive compared to the more cautious reaction from German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius, who stressed that normal relations with Russia were not feasible while the war in Ukraine continued.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand echoed Wadephul's sentiment, supporting diplomatic engagement and stating that Canada did not intend to boycott the G20 summit if Putin attends. She stressed the importance of remaining at the negotiating table and engaging in difficult discussions in diplomacy. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the potential for a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia during the summit, expressing the hope that sanctions could be strengthened as Russia continues to show no urgency in ending the war.