US President Donald Trump’s special envoy is scheduled to visit Berlin this weekend for discussions with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior European officials, as Washington amplifies its efforts to formulate a strategy to conclude Russia’s conflict with Kyiv. These meetings occur amidst increasing diplomatic pressure from the United States for progress towards a negotiated resolution.
A White House representative confirmed to AFP on Friday the validity of a Wall Street Journal article indicating that envoy Steve Witkoff will engage with Zelensky and European leaders over the weekend to assess the status of peace talks. The German government announced that Berlin will host a larger assembly next Monday, which will include the leaders of the European Union and NATO, shortly after Zelensky participates in a German-Ukrainian business forum alongside Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Washington advocates for revised peace proposals
US pressure on Kyiv has escalated in recent weeks. Ukrainian officials reported that they have submitted an updated plan to Washington, based on Trump’s original 28-point peace proposal aimed at resolving the conflict that commenced with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Trump’s plan, which was disclosed last month, faced criticism for aligning with significant Russian demands, including Ukraine’s surrender of substantial territory to Russia. The updated US-led proposal encompasses the possibility of expedited European Union membership for Ukraine, a move that Moscow opposes.
According to the latest plan, Ukraine could potentially join the EU as soon as January 2027, a senior source familiar with the situation informed AFP on Friday. Concurrently, European and Ukrainian leaders are seeking assurances from Washington, with the French presidency stating that they are requesting the United States to offer “security guarantees” prior to Ukraine consenting to any territorial concessions.
