US envoys arrived in Berlin on Sunday morning for discussions aimed at achieving a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, representing US President Donald Trump, were observed in the city.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian, US, and European officials would hold a series of meetings in Berlin. Zelenskyy stated he would meet with President Trump's envoys and European partners to discuss a political agreement to end the war. He highlighted the potential for peace, emphasizing the goal of dignified terms and security guarantees against future invasions.
Obstacles to Peace Negotiations
Negotiations face significant challenges, including the status of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, which is largely controlled by Russian forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded Ukraine withdraw its forces from the remaining parts of Donetsk under its control and abandon its pursuit of NATO membership; Kyiv has rejected these demands.
Russian foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov indicated that Russian police and national guard troops would remain in parts of eastern Ukraine's Donbas even if a prospective peace plan designated them as a demilitarized zone. This demand is likely to be rejected by Ukraine. Ushakov also noted that US proposals, initially incorporating Russian demands, had been "worsened" by alterations proposed by Ukraine and its European allies, suggesting a lengthy process for compromise. He affirmed Russia's intention to "strongly insist on our considerations."
European Perspective
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a supporter of European efforts for Ukraine alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stated that the era of "Pax Americana" is largely concluded for Europe. He cautioned that Putin's objective is a "fundamental change to the borders in Europe, the restoration of the old Soviet Union within its borders," adding, "If Ukraine falls, he won't stop." Putin has denied intentions to restore the Soviet Union or attack European allies.
Ongoing Aerial Attacks
While diplomatic efforts proceeded, Russia and Ukraine continued to engage in aerial attacks.
- Ukraine's Reports: Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched ballistic missiles and 138 attack drones overnight, with 110 intercepted or downed. Missile and drone strikes were recorded at six locations. Zelenskyy stated that hundreds of thousands of families in southern, eastern, and northeastern regions experienced power outages, with efforts underway to restore services. He reported that Russia had launched over 1,500 strike drones, nearly 900 guided aerial bombs, and 46 missiles of various types at Ukraine in the preceding week.
- Russia's Reports: Russia's Defense Ministry stated that air defenses downed 235 Ukrainian drones. In the Belgorod region, a drone caused injuries to an individual and set a house ablaze in Yasnye Zori. Ukrainian drones reportedly struck an oil depot in Uryupinsk in the Volgograd region, causing a fire. Additionally, drones attacked Afipsky in the Krasnodar region, where an oil refinery is located, resulting in shattered windows in residential buildings, though no damage to the refinery was reported.
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's readiness for constructive diplomatic engagement to achieve peace under "decent terms," emphasizing the importance of diplomatic results.