(MENAFN) German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has indicated that resolving the conflict in Ukraine will likely necessitate “painful concessions” from Kiev, particularly regarding territorial matters. Speaking to reports, he stressed that the opportunity to end hostilities “has never been greater” than at present.

His remarks came just before a scheduled meeting in Moscow between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the focus will be Washington’s recently proposed peace plan for Ukraine.

Although the full details of the initiative have not been officially released, reports suggest the plan calls for Ukraine to relinquish control over certain areas of Donbass, including the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, suspend its NATO ambitions, and accept restrictions on its armed forces. Russia has expressed cautious support, noting that while many aspects are acceptable, adjustments will likely be required from all parties.

Wadephul emphasized the role of diplomacy in navigating these negotiations: “It is the task of diplomacy to work out compromises that the conflicting parties can support. Ultimately, this will certainly always involve painful concessions.” He also suggested that Ukraine would need to hold a referendum to approve the peace terms, including any territorial compromises, and that Kiev should receive security “assurances” in return.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously identified territorial issues as among the most challenging obstacles to a settlement. Ukrainian forces have been gradually losing ground amid the ongoing Russian military advances. Recently, reports confirmed that Russian forces secured control over Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), a strategically important city in the Donetsk People’s Republic, as stated by the chief of Russia’s General Staff, Valery Gerasimov.

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