Berlin: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to meet US and European officials in Berlin 'in the coming days' to discuss a political agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy revealed in a video address that Kyiv is preparing for the talks in Germany's capital, where several events, including a briefing by Ukraine's senior negotiator Rustem Umerov, will take place.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov and representatives from Ukraine's defense and security sector will work on the specifics of security guarantees for Kyiv. Meanwhile, government officials will continue discussions with the US and Europe regarding Ukraine's post-war recovery and development. He highlighted plans to meet with envoys of US President Donald Trump and European leaders to discuss the foundation of peace through a political agreement to end the war.
The president expressed the importance of ensuring 'dignified peace for Ukraine' and securing guarantees to prevent future conflicts. He noted that the meetings in Berlin aim to work as actively and constructively as possible with all parties who can contribute to a viable agreement, with additional meetings and contacts to follow.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's office confirmed that he will host Zelenskyy and several European leaders in Berlin on Monday to discuss the latest developments in peace negotiations. Stefan Kornelius, German government spokesman, stated that Merz will first conduct bilateral talks with Zelenskyy focusing on German-Ukrainian economic cooperation and the status of ongoing peace negotiations. European heads of state, government officials, and top EU and NATO representatives will join discussions later in the evening.
On the same day, Umerov, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council secretary, participated in a videoconference with national security advisors from Ukraine, the US, and Europe. He reported discussions on aligning positions, addressing security issues, and planning the next steps in advancing the peace plan, with efforts continuing in Europe and the US.
The German Press Agency (dpa) reported that foreign policy advisors from the US, Ukraine, Germany, and other countries will continue talks in Berlin on Sunday to discuss a potential ceasefire. Additionally, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Berlin to meet with Zelenskyy and other European leaders, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.