Advisers to Scholz, Macron, and Starmer head to US for talks – Welt

National security advisers from Germany, the UK, and France are visiting the United States. They have traveled to Washington for talks, Die Welt reports.
According to the sources of the outlet, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s national security adviser, Jens Plötner, urgently traveled to Washington today, March 14, for negotiations. He will meet with US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz alongside his British counterpart, Jonathan Powell, and French counterpart, Emmanuel Bonne.
Die Welt reports that the trip, which was organized at short notice, comes at a critical time in the ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Ceasefire
On March 13, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Washington’s proposal for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
Following the meeting, US President Donald Trump wrote that there is a “very good chance” to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Unlike Ukraine, Russia has yet to agree to the proposed 30-day ceasefire. Putin opposes an unconditional ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that while Russia wants to continue the war, Putin is unlikely to say this directly to Trump.