Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet Monday in Berlin with President Trump’s advisers, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with leaders from Germany, France, and the U.K., to discuss the U.S. plan for peace in Ukraine. The discussions aim to address a U.S. proposal that includes territorial concessions from Kyiv, a major point of contention in ongoing negotiations. U.S. officials say other elements of the plan are close to agreement, and Zelensky may have indicated a potential path forward on the territorial issues.
During recent public remarks, Zelensky suggested that Ukraine could hold a referendum on any peace deal that involved ceding territory, a move U.S. officials see as progress. Russia, meanwhile, continues to insist on controlling the entire Donbas region, even though Ukraine still holds around 14% of the area. The U.S. plan incorporates Russia’s demand while proposing that the disputed region become a demilitarized zone, a proposal Zelensky has expressed skepticism about, particularly regarding a “free economic zone” for Donbas. European leaders have indicated they would support Zelensky if he pursues a referendum on territorial compromises.
Ahead of Monday’s meeting, Witkoff and Kushner discussed the demilitarized zone proposal with national security advisers from Ukraine, Germany, France, and the U.K. U.S. officials say the progress made in recent talks convinced Trump to send his advisers to Europe, citing a belief that a peace deal may be possible. Negotiations have also advanced on security guarantees and post-war reconstruction. The U.S. is reportedly willing to provide Ukraine with legally binding security assurances modeled on NATO’s Article 5, pending Congressional approval.
Officials outlined a three-part approach: peace, security guarantees, and reconstruction. Under the current proposal, Ukraine would retain sovereignty over roughly 80% of its territory, receive strong security guarantees, and gain a significant economic package. European leaders have urged Zelensky not to rush into any agreement requiring territorial concessions, while questions remain over whether Russia will accept the U.S. proposals. Zelensky has indicated a desire for “full understanding” of the plan by Christmas.