Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said no agreement was reached on territorial issues following two days of U.S.-Ukraine-Europe peace talks in Berlin, calling land disputes one of the most difficult obstacles to ending Russia’s war.
Partial Progress Reported in Negotiations
Speaking to Ukrainian reporters, Zelenskyy said negotiations advanced in other areas, though territory remains unresolved. U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, suggested a potential deal may be closer than ever, claiming roughly 90% of key issues have been addressed.
Territory and Security Guarantees at the Center
The fate of four partially occupied Ukrainian regions — Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson — along with Ukraine’s demand for firm U.S.-backed security guarantees, continue to dominate talks. Russia also occupies Crimea, which it seized in 2014.
Moscow has demanded Ukraine withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk, collectively known as the Donbas, in exchange for ending hostilities.
Zelenskyy Rejects Ceding the Donbas
Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s position that it will not recognize Russian control over the Donbas, either legally or in practice. He said proposals for a demilitarized zone or free economic area cannot place the region under Russian leadership.
“Territories are one of the key issues,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine continues to discuss the matter despite firm red lines.
Security Guarantees Seen as Key Progress Area
Zelenskyy hinted at movement on Western security guarantees, which Kyiv says are essential to preventing future Russian aggression. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised the guarantees discussed in Berlin, calling them a significant step forward.
Christmas Truce Proposed
Merz also suggested a possible Christmas truce, a proposal Zelenskyy said he supports. Meanwhile, Russia’s deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov said Moscow is prepared to reach a deal and believes diplomacy could succeed soon.
More Talks Planned as Fighting Continues
Additional meetings are expected in the coming days, including between U.S. and Russian negotiators. Ukrainian officials may travel to the United States as early as this weekend for further discussions.
Despite diplomacy, fighting continues. Ukraine and Russia exchanged drone strikes overnight, with Ukraine reporting dozens of Russian drones launched and Russia claiming it intercepted more than 100 Ukrainian drones.
Zelenskyy Urges Accountability
Addressing the Dutch parliament on Tuesday, Zelenskyy said the talks represent the most focused peace effort since the war began, stressing Ukraine seeks a lasting settlement, not a temporary pause.
He warned against pressuring Ukraine to make concessions, saying such logic has only enabled further bloodshed.
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