German ambassador: genuine peace talks with Russia have not begun because Moscow does not want peace
Germany's ambassador to Ukraine, Boris Ruge, said Russia has not negotiated seriously in four and a half years and that its demands amount to Ukraine's capitulation. He cited the ballistic attack on Kyiv overnight on 22 October as further evidence.
Germany's ambassador to Ukraine, Boris Ruge, believes that no genuine peace negotiations have yet taken place in Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, because the Russian side is the one that does not want peace. He said this in an interview with the Ukrainian outlet European Pravda (Yevropeiska Pravda).
Demands amounting to capitulation
Ruge noted that over the past four and a half years Russia has not once negotiated in earnest. According to him, Moscow has consistently stuck to its basic demands, which in essence would mean Ukraine's capitulation, and that is not negotiation. The ambassador added that it remains to be seen what format the talks will take.
Attacks alongside talk of dialogue
The diplomat also pointed to the ballistic strike on Kyiv overnight on 22 October as a sign of Russia's reluctance to move toward peace. He said Russia speaks vaguely about readiness for dialogue and meetings while simultaneously attacking Ukraine with drones and ballistic missiles, killing civilians and hitting civilian sites. Ruge asked whether such an approach suits someone who wants peace.
Ukraine's proposals
The ambassador argued that Ukraine has changed its position on the peace process since the beginning of 2025. He recalled that President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is ready for a ceasefire, and that a wide range of ideas were put forward: a full ceasefire, and maritime, grain and energy truces, among others. According to Ruge, Russia rejected every one of these proposals, which clearly shows its approach.
Search for a European representative
The British newspaper The Telegraph reported on 22 October that Europe is selecting potential negotiators for talks with Russia on ending the war, with five candidates currently under consideration. Politico said the question of finding a European representative became especially pressing this week after Steve Witkoff, the US president's special envoy, visited Russia.
