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BERLIN

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday ruled out holding talks with his Russian counterpart under current conditions, despite calls from a group of German politicians for a new peace-oriented foreign policy.

At a press conference in Rome following meetings with European foreign ministers, Wadephul condemned Russia's latest airstrikes and drone attacks on Ukraine, saying these actions demonstrated that Moscow has no interest in peace negotiations.

"We are, of course, always willing to negotiate. However, at this point in time, we must see that Russia is not willing to negotiate but is seeking war. And as long as that is the case, we stand firmly by Ukraine's side," he said.

Asked whether he would hold his first phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov following calls from a group of German lawmakers to engage in dialogue with Russia, Wadephul emphasized that he would not take such a step under the current conditions.

"I see no opportunity or possibility for such talks at this point in time. If such talks were to take place, they would happen only when there is European willingness to do so, and Germany would act only together with its European partners," the conservative politician said.

Earlier this week, a group of Social Democratic Party (SPD) politicians—coalition partners of the conservative Christian Democrats—published an open letter advocating for a peace-oriented foreign and security policy.

The letter proposed initiating diplomatic talks with Russia to find ways to end the war in Ukraine and discuss peace and security order for Europe. Senior SPD lawmakers Rolf Mutzenich and Ralf Stegner were among more than 100 signatories.