Zelensky confirmed talks in Berlin
By Ulf Mauder
Kiev (dpa) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed his participation in talks in Berlin regarding the end of the Russian war on his country.
“We are currently preparing for meetings with the US side and our European friends in the coming days. There will be many events in Berlin,” Zelensky said in a video message released in Kiev.
He is expected to attend a Ukrainian economic meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz by Monday at the latest.
However, it is unclear whether Zelensky will arrive in Berlin this Sunday and meet US envoy Steve Witkoff.
Zelensky said that Ukrainian experts are currently working on the details of the security guarantees demanded by Kiev for peace with Russia. He stated that it is about a just peace for Ukraine with a guarantee that Russia will not return with another invasion of the country.
“Our Ukrainian negotiating position is strong because we maintain our positions at the front, in our arms industry, and in our internal stability,” he said.
Talks are also planned in Berlin between Ukrainian officials and representatives of the United States and European states about the reconstruction of the war-torn country.
“The most important are my meetings with representatives of [US] President [Donald] Trump, as well as meetings with our European partners and many leading politicians about the foundation of peace – a political agreement to end the war,” said Zelensky.
The Ukrainian leader criticized Trump’s initial 28-point plan because it contained many Russian demands.
In Berlin, the focus is on active and constructive cooperation for a dignified agreement, he said. Russian representatives are not involved.
Initially, there are to be talks at the adviser level on Sunday about a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. The location and timing of the consultations have initially remained confidential by agreement.
©2025 dpa GmbH. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Notes from APS Radio News
In related news, also today it was reported that a Ukrainian drone killed two people in Russia.
Reportedly, the attack by the drone was in retaliation for Russia’s attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
