US Special Envoy to Engage in Ukraine Peace Talks
US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to hold discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Berlin this weekend. The objective of these high-level talks is to advance negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.
Diplomatic Efforts
Witkoff, who leads the White House's mediation efforts between Ukraine and Russia, will address the latest version of a proposed peace agreement. The Trump administration has indicated its aim for a resolution to be established by Christmas and has conducted multiple rounds of discussions with Ukrainian and Russian representatives recently. However, reports have not indicated an imminent breakthrough.
While the specific European leaders attending the Berlin talks remain unconfirmed by official sources, The Wall Street Journal reported that UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are expected to participate.
Territorial Disputes and Proposed Solutions
The meeting follows Ukraine's submission of a revised 20-point peace plan to the United States. A central point of contention in the negotiations remains the status of territory in eastern Ukraine. Kyiv maintains its refusal to cede land it considers illegally occupied, while Moscow has reiterated its intention to secure the Donbas region by force unless Ukrainian forces withdraw.
A proposal from the White House regarding the territorial question suggests that Ukraine's military withdraw from the region, which would then be designated as a "special economic zone." Under these proposed terms, the Kremlin would commit not to advance into the areas vacated by Ukrainian forces, effectively establishing a demilitarized zone between Russian-controlled parts of Donbas and Ukraine's defensive lines.
President Zelensky has expressed reservations concerning this proposal. He has publicly questioned its efficacy, stating, "What will restrain [Russia] from advancing? Or from infiltrating disguised as civilians?" This indicates ongoing challenges in securing a mutually acceptable resolution to the territorial dispute.