Berlin became the center of attention this week as senior officials from Ukraine and the United States met for two days of intensive negotiations.
The discussions aimed to explore a proposed American peace plan, security guarantees for Kyiv, and broader economic and political issues, signaling a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict.
Key Players at the Table
Leading the Ukrainian delegation was President Volodymyr Zelensky, accompanied by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and Andrii Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.
Representing Washington were Steve Witkoff, special envoy of President Donald Trump, and Jared Kushner, the US president’s son-in-law.
The high-profile lineup underscored the significance of these talks, which many observers described as the most detailed since February 2022.
Two Rounds of Lengthy Discussions
The first round of negotiations took place on December 14, stretching over five hours.
Talks resumed the next day for a shorter, two-hour session.
Participants described the discussions as thorough and wide-ranging, covering everything from the 20-point US peace proposal to economic stabilization measures.
Steve Witkoff described the overall outcome as constructive, highlighting that both sides had made “significant progress” across multiple topics.
Security Guarantees Remain a Flashpoint
Despite the optimistic public statements, the most sensitive issues remain unresolved.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, Kyiv insisted that binding security guarantees must come first, whereas Washington suggested a phased approach, negotiating formal protections over time.
Reports also indicate Zelensky repeatedly rejected proposals calling for a withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from parts of Donbas, showing that fundamental disagreements persist.
NATO Membership Sparks Debate
Perhaps the most striking development came when Zelensky hinted that Ukraine might abandon its bid to join NATO if firm Western security guarantees were provided.
While framed as a major compromise, the Ukrainian president emphasized that any alternative arrangement must be legally binding, not just political assurances.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas later confirmed that Ukraine’s NATO membership is no longer on the international negotiating table, marking a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape.
Reactions From Moscow
Moscow welcomed Ukraine’s formal withdrawal from NATO ambitions, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov calling it a “cornerstone” for any settlement.
However, Russian lawmaker Dmitry Belik expressed skepticism, suggesting Kyiv’s statements might be more about buying time than committing to real compromise.
Positive Yet Cautious Reflections
Ukraine’s Rustem Umerov described the talks as productive and constructive, stressing that progress is measured in long-term prospects rather than immediate breakthroughs.
He praised the US delegation’s efforts despite “noise and anonymous speculation” circulating in the media.
American officials also assessed the meetings positively, according to Axios, highlighting a tone of collaboration even amidst the lingering disputes.
Looking Ahead
The Berlin talks tackled ceasefire mechanisms, economic stabilization, and security guarantees, but both sides acknowledge that fundamental issues remain unresolved.
Ukrainian adviser Dmytro Lytvyn noted that Zelensky would release a formal statement following the conclusion of the discussions.
While the negotiations have been constructive, the path to a comprehensive settlement is still uncertain, suggesting that more rounds of talks will be required before any lasting peace can be achieved.
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