Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Arrives in Berlin
Berlin, Germany – December 14, 2025: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Berlin on Sunday ahead of another round of high-level discussions with U.S. representatives and European leaders aimed at negotiating a ceasefire with Russia. He was welcomed at the German Chancellery by Chancellor Friedrich Merz for consultations with top advisers and officials.
The arrival marks the continuation of diplomatic efforts in the face of a nearly four-year-long war with Russia. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, were also in Berlin and met with Zelensky to review proposals on Trump’s peace plan.
US Delegation and European Leaders Engage in Talks
The U.S. delegation held initial adviser-level talks at a Berlin hotel, while discussions with Zelensky and senior Ukrainian officials were conducted behind closed doors. Ukrainian officials, including former Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, joined the delegation.
French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other European leaders remain involved through consultations with Trump, underscoring the transatlantic dimension of the negotiations. Chancellor Merz said that the U.S. president recognizes the need to include European interests in the discussions.
Zelensky Pushes for Security Guarantees, Rejects Territorial Concessions
Zelensky emphasized the importance of firm security guarantees for Ukraine, particularly as the country’s NATO membership remains a contentious point. The Ukrainian president has rejected U.S. pressure to cede parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions occupied by Russian forces, calling for legally binding assurances if a deal is struck.
The 28-point peace plan introduced by Trump in late November initially unsettled Kyiv and European allies because it mirrored many Russian positions. Zelensky has since presented a counter-proposal aimed at balancing Western concerns with Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Russia Expresses Skepticism About Berlin Talks
Russian officials have voiced doubts over the effectiveness of the Berlin talks. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told Russian state media that contributions from Ukraine and European powers “will scarcely be constructive.” He reiterated Russia’s insistence that Ukraine withdraw fully from the eastern provinces not under Russian control, while dismissing the possibility of NATO membership or the return of Crimea to Ukrainian authority.
Earlier this month, Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin, who indicated a willingness for further dialogue but emphasized that Russia retains the strategic initiative in the absence of an agreement.
Ongoing Diplomatic and Security Challenges
The Berlin meetings come amid continued hostilities on the ground. Russia has recently launched multiple drone attacks, while Ukraine reports significant interceptions of these attacks. The high-security environment in Berlin reflects the urgency and gravity of the negotiations, with European capitals closely monitoring outcomes.
German Chancellor Merz and other European leaders are expected to meet with Zelensky and the U.S. delegation on Monday evening to consolidate positions and explore potential compromises.
Outlook for Peace
The Berlin talks highlight the complexity of negotiating a ceasefire while addressing Ukraine’s territorial integrity, NATO ambitions, and security guarantees. While progress has been reported, key obstacles remain, particularly over the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and formal commitments from Western nations.
The negotiations aim to lay the groundwork for a peace framework before the end-of-year holiday season, though both Ukrainian and Russian officials caution that reaching a comprehensive agreement will require continued intensive diplomacy.
Leave a Reply