Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, has indicated that concluding the conflict in Ukraine will necessitate significant concessions from Kiev, including on territorial matters. He suggested Tuesday (April 18) that such agreements might require a referendum on specific changes.

Wadephul commented: “It is the task of diplomacy to work out compromises that the conflicting parties can support. Ultimately, this will certainly always involve painful concessions.” According to the minister, any peace agreement involving territorial adjustments would necessitate Ukraine holding a referendum for these conditions.

The diplomat’s remarks precede discussions by international mediators regarding a peace plan proposed by Washington last month. This initiative appears cautious but not unwelcome from Moscow’s perspective.

Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelenskiy has previously identified territorial issues as being among the most difficult points to resolve in peace negotiations. Wadephul stated that Ukraine would need to be offered security “assurances” before agreeing to compromises.

The ongoing fighting continues with Russia gaining ground on several fronts, including control over key cities in the east. Despite international concerns about losing territory, he acknowledged Kiev’s situation has never been more critical than now.