Ukraine’s post-war security guarantees need to be backed by a wide range of states reaching beyond Europe, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Sunday.

Speaking at a government open day in Berlin, Wadephul said it was important for the United States to participate in security guarantees for Ukraine, but that others were needed as well. He said around 30 countries had indicated their readiness, including Japan.

Security guarantees that “closely approach what a NATO membership means” were needed, the foreign minister said.

“We cannot expect Ukraine to seriously consider territorial concessions if it does not at the very least receive a security guarantee from as many states as possible to the effect that the rest is then secure,” Wadephul said.

This would not pose any risks for Russia, he said, expressing the hope that Russian President Vladimir Putin could be convinced to strike a deal backed by security guarantees. This could then be a basis for a return to peace in Europe, Wadephul said.

He stressed that Ukraine had to be in a position to defend itself and to receive support from its guarantors in the event of an end to hostilities. A peace agreement could not be a dictated peace at Ukraine’s expense, he said.

Wadephul appealed to Putin to cease hostilities and negotiate. “Otherwise, he must continue to count on our clear resistance alongside Ukraine,” he said.

dpa