Important negotiations are underway in Berlin between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also participated for much of the day, planning to rejoin on the second day. The talks are set to include French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
The central issue is to coordinate a united position between the US, Ukraine, and leading European leaders on ending the war. According to Zelensky, issues surrounding Donetsk and proposals to create a demilitarized or free economic zone remain the most difficult for compromise. Russia claims it won’t send troops there, but would ensure control through its National Guard, which in practice amounts to occupation under a different label.
There are concerns about the legal mechanisms for holding referendums or transferring territory, since Ukraine’s Constitution prohibits any actions violating territorial integrity. Fair citizen expression during war is unlikely. The Cyprus reunification referendum is cited as a cautionary example of the complexities of implementing international referendum proposals in similar situations.
Key discussions include what security guarantees the US can provide Ukraine. Currently, the conversation revolves around ongoing arms supplies and sanctions rather than formal security commitments or alliance status similar to Israel. The future of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and prospects for international oversight are also part of the talks.
US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed in the evening that significant progress was made and that talks will resume the next morning. A 20-point peace plan is under discussion, but its details have not been disclosed. Ensuring Russia bears responsibility for any breakdown in the process, rather than Ukraine or its allies, is an important focus for all sides.
Experts point out that no decisions can be made without Russia’s eventual response. According to the Finnish president, a peace agreement is closer than ever, yet its achievement remains uncertain.
There were also discussions of US domestic politics, Trump’s influence, and the European Union’s possible approval of a reparations loan. Final outcomes are expected after this round of negotiations concludes tomorrow.
