BERLIN – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held intensive talks in Berlin on Monday with US envoys, aiming to end the nearly four-year war with Russia. The discussions also involved Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, and were hosted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Ukraine is pushing for a ceasefire without prior territorial concessions to Russia, while European allies insist any deal must secure a “just peace” and prevent future hostilities. Washington reportedly wants Ukraine to cede control of eastern Donetsk and Luhansk, demands Kyiv is refusing.
Read more: Zelensky refuses to cede land, aims for revised U.S. peace proposal
Zelensky told officials he is ready to forgo NATO membership if solid security guarantees are provided. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the NATO issue requires “special discussion” and Russia expects US proposals from the Berlin talks.
READOUT FROM U.S.-UKRAINE TALKS IN BERLIN, GERMANY:
The meeting in Berlin between President Zelenskyy, Special Envoy Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and delegations from the United States and Ukraine lasted over five hours. Representatives held in-depth discussions regarding the… pic.twitter.com/G7breh5Gab
— Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (@SEPeaceMissions) December 14, 2025
Central Berlin has been turned into a high-security zone with police snipers, road closures, dog patrols, and anti-drone measures as motorcades transported delegations to meetings. German and Ukrainian leaders also plan business and press conferences, followed by a dinner with European heads of state, NATO, and EU leaders.
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Officials say Washington hopes to outline the contours of a deal by Christmas, though German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul cautioned that the talks’ success depends on Russia’s willingness to compromise. Zelensky emphasized that any agreement must be fair to Ukraine, given that Russia initiated the war.