A special envoy of US President Donald Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior European leaders in Berlin this weekend, the White House has confirmed, as Washington intensifies efforts to broker an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The meeting comes amid growing diplomatic activity following the unveiling of a US-led peace proposal, which has drawn criticism for allegedly reflecting key Russian demands, including territorial concessions by Ukraine.
US Pushes Peace Plan as Pressure Mounts on Kyiv
President Trump has increased pressure on Kyiv to reach an agreement since revealing a 28-point peace plan last month. The proposal has sparked concern among Ukrainian officials and European allies, who argue that parts of the plan undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In response, Ukrainian officials recently submitted an updated counterproposal to Washington, triggering renewed diplomatic engagement between the United States, Ukraine, and European partners.
A White House official confirmed on Friday that Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, will meet Zelensky and European leaders to discuss the status of peace negotiations, confirming a report by The Wall Street Journal.
Berlin to Host High-Level Talks with EU and NATO Leaders
Germany’s government confirmed that Berlin will host the meetings, with Zelensky expected to hold discussions with European Union and NATO leaders early next week. The talks will take place shortly after Zelensky attends a German–Ukrainian business forum with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
According to German officials, the discussions will focus on the future of peace negotiations, regional security, and Europe’s role in shaping a potential settlement.
EU Membership Proposal and Security Guarantees
One of the most contentious elements of the US-led plan is a proposal that would allow Ukraine to join the European Union as early as January 2027, according to a senior official familiar with the negotiations.
The EU accession process typically takes many years and requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states. Several countries, notably Hungary, have repeatedly opposed Ukraine’s membership.
Zelensky said President Trump could use “various levers of influence” to persuade reluctant EU leaders. Ukraine has long pursued EU membership but continues to face challenges related to corruption reforms, a key requirement for accession.
Meanwhile, European leaders and Kyiv are insisting on legally binding security guarantees from the United States before Ukraine considers any territorial concessions. Ukraine’s ambassador to NATO, Alyona Getmanchuk, said such guarantees are a prerequisite for any peace agreement.
Russia Expresses Skepticism Over Revised Plan
Russia has reacted cautiously to reports that the US peace plan may be amended. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said Moscow believes the revised proposal could be “worsened,” adding that Russia has not seen an updated version since recent talks between President Vladimir Putin and US envoys in Moscow.
Zelensky revealed that Washington is urging Ukraine — but not Russia — to withdraw troops from parts of eastern Donetsk, where a proposed demilitarised free economic zone would separate the two forces.
However, a senior adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron said Kyiv is not considering territorial concessions or the creation of a demilitarised zone.
War Continues as Diplomacy Intensifies
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russian forces continue to advance on the battlefield, recording their fastest gains in over a year as recently as November. Analysts warn that while talks may continue, a comprehensive peace deal remains a long and complex process.