Witkoff Engages Zelensky in New Round of Ukraine Conflict Discussions

This weekend, Steve Witkoff, the envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, is set to journey to Germany to engage in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and various European leaders regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Witkoff, who has been at the forefront of the White House’s efforts to facilitate dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, aims to explore the latest iteration of a proposed peace agreement during this meeting in Berlin.

The Trump administration is striving to secure a peace deal by Christmas and has recently conducted multiple discussions with representatives from both Ukraine and Russia. However, there has been little indication that a significant breakthrough is on the horizon.

As of now, the identities of the European leaders who will participate in the Berlin discussions remain unconfirmed. Initial reports suggest that UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are expected to be in attendance.

This meeting between Witkoff and Zelensky follows Ukraine’s recent submission of a revised 20-point peace proposal to the United States, which represents the latest version of a plan first introduced in late November and has spurred a wave of diplomatic initiatives.

The issue of territorial control in eastern Ukraine continues to be a significant hurdle in the discussions, as Kyiv is adamantly opposed to relinquishing any land that has been unlawfully occupied, while Moscow remains intent on fully claiming the Donbas region through military means unless Ukraine retreats.

Zelensky has expressed skepticism regarding the recent U.S. proposal concerning the territorial dispute, which suggests that Ukraine’s military withdraw from the area, converting it into a ‘special economic zone.’

Zelensky has expressed skepticism regarding the recent U.S. proposal concerning the territorial dispute, which suggests that Ukraine’s military withdraw from the area, converting it into a ‘special economic zone.’

The Ukrainian president informed journalists that, under the U.S. terms, Russia would agree not to advance into the territories vacated by Ukrainian forces, effectively transforming the land between Russian-controlled areas of the Donbas and Ukraine’s defensive lines into a demilitarized zone.

This proposal, which appears aimed at addressing the issue of legal ownership by establishing a new status for the territory, has been publicly challenged by Zelensky, who questioned, ‘What will prevent [Russia] from advancing? Or from infiltrating disguised as civilians?’

Ukraine and its European allies have publicly stated that the U.S.-led talks have yielded positive results, noting progress on revisions to a plan that was initially perceived as being biased in favor of Russia.

However, recent weeks have indicated that Trump may be growing impatient with Zelensky and his supporters within Europe. In a critical interview earlier this week, the U.S. president characterized European leaders as ‘weak’ and reiterated his call for Ukraine to conduct elections.

Zelensky indicated that elections could occur within 90 days if the U.S. and Europe provided adequate security measures. Elections have been on hold since martial law was enacted following Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022.

As diplomatic efforts from the White House persist, European nations are concentrating on how to support Ukraine should a peace agreement materialize, with ongoing discussions about security assurances and financial aid.

The Ukrainian government faces a dire financial dilemma, requiring an additional €135.7 billion (£119 billion; $159 billion) over the next two years.

On Friday, the governments of the European Union reached an agreement to indefinitely freeze approximately €210 billion (£185 billion; $247 billion) of Russian assets located within Europe.

This resolution is hoped to facilitate the reallocation of these funds to Ukraine if an agreement can be reached at an upcoming EU summit, providing essential financial support for its military needs and the rebuilding of areas severely impacted by nearly four years of intense conflict.

This action has been condemned by the Kremlin as theft, with Russia’s central bank announcing plans to take legal action against Euroclear, a Belgian financial institution that holds the majority of the frozen Russian assets.

Officials are still negotiating the precise framework for a deal concerning the repurposing of these Russian assets on behalf of Ukraine, with particular skepticism from the Belgian government due to its legal implications as the main custodian.

In other developments, reports indicate that the latest iteration of the circulating peace plan includes provisions for Ukraine to expedite its accession to the European Union.

The Financial Times has noted that Brussels supports Ukraine’s rapid membership in the bloc, a proposal presented by Ukraine in its latest draft submitted to Washington.

Ukraine formally expressed its desire to join the EU just days after the invasion in 2022. Yet, despite assurances of an expedited process, it remains several years away from membership.

According to reports, under the proposed plan, Ukraine could achieve membership as early as January 2027, although it remains unclear whether Washington has endorsed this aspect of the draft.