Talks between Ukraine and the United States regarding a potential peace agreement with Russia have continued in Berlin for a second consecutive day.
Negotiations Overview
On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, held a five-hour meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also participated in these discussions. A US statement reported that "a lot of progress was made." The same delegations reconvened on Monday morning for further talks. Additionally, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, was present. Several European leaders and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to join the Ukrainian and US delegations for more discussions on Monday evening.
Ukraine's Position on NATO and Security
Prior to the start of the current round of meetings, President Zelensky indicated a willingness to abandon ambitions for NATO membership in exchange for specific security guarantees. He acknowledged that "some partners from the US and Europe" did not endorse Ukraine's aspiration for NATO membership. Zelensky stated that Ukraine is now seeking robust security guarantees, drawing inspiration from NATO's Article 5 clause of mutual protection, characterizing this as a compromise from Ukraine's perspective.
Peace Plan Proposals
A core component of the Berlin discussions is a 20-point peace plan proposal presented by Ukraine to the US last week. This proposal is intended to counter an earlier American plan that was reportedly seen as heavily favoring Russia. While specific details of Ukraine's plan have not been made public, President Zelensky previously described these points as a "foundation" for developing provisions related to Ukraine's reconstruction and security guarantees.
International Perspectives
For Russia, Kyiv's membership in NATO is considered a "red line." Moscow has consistently demanded the permanent cessation of Ukraine's ambitions to join the alliance, with the Kremlin stating on Monday that this issue "is one of the cornerstones and requires special discussion." The United States has also reiterated its position against Ukraine's inclusion in NATO. Ukraine, conversely, has expressed concerns that a peace agreement lacking comprehensive security guarantees may not deter future Russian attacks.