Ukraine holding talks with US in Berlin to discuss peace plan
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at talks in Berlin (facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
On Sunday, December 14, in Berlin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Trump's senior officials to advance discussions on ending the war. The parties continue to work on finalizing a peace plan, according to Zelenskyy and Western media.
The media reported that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian delegation, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The meeting is being held at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin, with Zelenskyy confirming that negotiations have officially begun.
"We have begun the meeting," he wrote on Telegram.
Photo: Zelenskyy meets Trump’s team in Berlin
Photo: Zelenskyy meets Trump’s team in Berlin
Photo: Zelenskyy meets Trump’s team in Berlin
Photo: Zelenskyy meets Trump’s team in Berlin
Photo: Zelenskyy meets Trump’s team in Berlin
Photo: Zelenskyy meets Trump’s team in Berlin
Photo: Zelenskyy meets Trump’s team in Berlin
A few hours before the talks, Zelenskyy noted that work is ongoing on each point of the draft.
"There are many important details, and we are working thoroughly on every point of every draft. The key thing is that all the steps we agree on with partners must work in practice to deliver guaranteed security. Only reliable guarantees can deliver peace. We count on our partners to continue working constructively as well," he wrote.
US peace plan
The United States, Ukraine, and Europe have been finalizing a US peace plan for nearly a month, which was initially seen as favoring Russia.
Recent reports indicate the parties are discussing three key initiatives: a framework document, security guarantees, and a document that lays the foundations for post-war reconstruction.
Territorial disputes remain the most challenging issue, as Washington demands ceding the Donbas region, which Ukraine rejects.
Zelenskyy said today that the US proposed a compromise under which Ukrainian forces would withdraw from Donbas while the Russian army "will not enter parts of our East." He emphasized, however, that if Ukrainian troops are expected to retreat, Russian forces should do the same. He added that the US has not yet provided a response.
According to Axios, the Trump administration is prepared to provide Ukraine with legally binding security guarantees based on NATO Article 5. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has sought NATO membership from the outset, but US and European partners have opposed it. He added that, for this reason, bilateral security guarantees from the US, European partners, and other countries constitute a compromise on Ukraine's part.
Notably, Ukraine, in coordination with European partners, has finalized its vision for a peace settlement and submitted the plan to the US. As of December 14, Zelenskyy stated, Ukraine has not yet received an official response.
Meeting in Berlin
Previously, a meeting between Ukraine, the US, and Europe on the peace plan had been scheduled in Paris on December 13 but was canceled for reasons that remain unclear.
Media later reported that the talks are now taking place in Berlin this weekend between Ukraine and the US, with additional discussions planned with European partners. According to the Wall Street Journal, the White House aims to secure a peace agreement on Ukraine by the end of the year.
