Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his European allies are trying to persuade Donald Trump's envoys to soften potential concessions to Russia in Ukraine negotiations. At a meeting in Berlin, Zelensky indicates willingness to forgo NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees equivalent to NATO's Article 5. Discussions focus on preventing a deal between Trump and Putin that sidelines Ukraine and Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on Sunday in Berlin with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Donald Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, in an effort to limit concessions the incoming U.S. leader might make to Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Speaking to journalists before arriving in the German capital, Zelensky expressed openness to accepting allied protections equivalent to NATO's Article 5, which requires members to defend each other against attack, instead of immediate Alliance membership. He also indicated willingness to consider a demilitarized zone in the Donbas region, largely occupied by Russia, but only if Europe and the United States provide security guarantees to prevent future invasions like those in 2014 and 2022.
European capitals describe these as 'decisive days,' fearing that Trump, who aims to announce a peace deal before Christmas, and Russian President Vladimir Putin could reach an agreement excluding Ukraine and its allies. Merz, in office since May, is taking a leadership role in Europe, comparing Putin's ambitions to those of Adolf Hitler in 1938 during a Saturday speech in Munich. 'If Ukraine falls, it won't stop there,' Merz warned.
The first day of meetings took place between the Adlon hotel and the federal chancellery, pausing overnight and continuing Monday with leaders like Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and Giorgia Meloni. The summit precedes an EU decision on Thursday regarding the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Witkoff, close to Putin and lacking diplomatic experience, breeds distrust due to his initial 28-point plan, developed with Kirill Dmitriev, which demanded drastic territorial concessions and limits on Ukrainian defense, though later softened. His involvement, alongside Kushner, signals U.S. seriousness in negotiations, following their role in the Gaza ceasefire.
