Zelensky to meet US, European officials in Berlin – DW – 12/14/2025

Ukraine and Russia remain far apart on terms of ending Moscow’s aggression on its neighbor.

Here are some of the main points of controversy:

• The US plan for peace that forms the basis of recent talks calls for large-scale territorial concessions to Russia, particularly in the Donbass region, which Ukraine has rejected.
• Russia and the US say Ukraine should not be allowed to join NATO, while Kiev presses for joining the Western military alliance
• Ukraine wants to keep the Zaporizhia nuclear plant, which is currently occupied by Russia, which claims it as its own
• Ukraine also wants comprehensive international security guarantees to ensure it is not the victim of a new Russian attack in the future

Read more coverage of the US plan here

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that he intends to attend talks in Berlin on ending the conflict in the country.

However, it is unclear whether he will reach Berlin on Sunday and meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff.

“The most important are my meetings with the representatives [US] chairman [Donald] Trump, as well as meetings with our European allies and a number of leading politicians about the foundation of peace — a political agreement to end the war,” Zelensky said in a video message posted on Facebook on Saturday.

The talks in Berlin, to be held at an as-yet undisclosed location, are initially planned at consultative level on a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.

Talks are also planned between Ukrainian officials and representatives of the US and European states on the reconstruction of the war-ravaged country.

Zelensky is also expected to take part in an economic meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday.

Join us for our coverage of developments regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine as Ukrainian, US and European officials prepare for a round of talks in Berlin on a potential peace deal.

They come as the US Trump administration is increasing pressure on Kiev to accept its peace plan, which, however, envisages a number of concessions to Moscow that Ukraine has so far rejected.

No representatives from the aggressor nation, Russia, will be present at the talks, which come a day after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin would continue his advances if Ukraine loses.

DW will be following developments from the Berlin talks and the conflict in Ukraine throughout the day.