Germany urges Russia to halt attacks, resume Ukraine talks

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Germany has urged Russia to stop attacking Ukraine and return to the negotiating table, saying Moscow could end the war by halting its military offensive, which began in February 2022.

“Russia should return to the negotiating table and stop its attacks. The war would end if it did, because Ukraine is only defending itself,” Beste told ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday.

Beste said Ukraine was responding to Russian aggression and that Moscow, not Kyiv, had the power to bring the fighting to an end by ceasing its attacks.

Beyond a ceasefire, Germany is urging Russia to resolve the issue of Ukrainian territories under illegal occupation, either by withdrawing or negotiating their return to Ukraine.

Beste said those demands were central to achieving a lasting settlement, although he acknowledged that persuading Moscow to accept them would be difficult.

Germany is seeking to bring Russia back to the negotiating table by demonstrating, through both policy and public statements, that Berlin will not bow to pressure from Moscow.

Beste also cautioned Moscow against using delaying tactics to prolong the war.

He said time was not on Russia's side and urged Moscow not to postpone diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

The comments underscore Germany's call for negotiations, an end to Russian attacks and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Translator: Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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