U.S. Envoy in Berlin for Peace Talks

BERLIN – A U.S. representative arrived in Berlin on Sunday morning for discussions aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Steve Witkoff, designated by President Trump, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, were seen in the heart of Berlin, caught by a photographer from a news agency.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that officials from Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe would engage in several meetings over the next few days in Berlin.

“I will primarily meet with President Trump’s envoys, as well as with our European partners and various leaders, focusing on peace and a political agreement to conclude the war,” Zelenskiy expressed in a recent national address.

For several months, U.S. leaders have been working to mediate between the conflicting sides, with President Trump advocating for a swift resolution to the conflict with Russia while growing increasingly frustrated by ongoing delays. The quest for a middle ground faces significant obstacles, particularly regarding control of the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, which remains largely held by Russian forces, and ensuring Ukraine’s security.

“The chances of reaching an agreement are fairly promising at this juncture, which is crucial for all Ukrainian cities and communities,” Zelenskiy remarked. “We are striving to secure a dignified peace for Ukraine, ensuring that Russia does not attempt a third invasion.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted on Ukraine’s withdrawal of troops from the Donetsk region and the abandonment of NATO membership, a key demand for peace, which Ukraine has continuously opposed.

Putin’s advisor on foreign affairs, Yuri Ushakov, indicated to a Russian business newspaper that even if the eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region transitions to a demilitarized zone in a peace agreement, Russian military presence would remain. This demand is likely to be rejected by Ukraine as the U.S.-led negotiations persist.

Ushakov noted that the U.S. propositions, which considered Russia’s demands, have become less favorable due to amendments suggested by Ukraine and its European allies, and cautioned that reaching a consensus could be prolonged.

“The contributions from Ukrainians and Europeans to these discussions are not expected to be constructive,” Ushakov stated, warning that the Russian government may face strong resistance.

He reiterated that territorial matters were actively discussed in Moscow when Witkoff and Kushner met with Putin earlier this month. “The Americans are aware of our stance,” he added.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is leading Europe’s support for Ukraine alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, commented, “The era of ‘Pax Americana’ is nearly over for us in Europe, particularly for Germany.”

He cautioned that Putin’s intentions include a significant alteration of Europe’s borders, echoing efforts to restore the former Soviet Union’s territory. “Even if Ukraine falls, he won’t halt,” Merz warned during a party conference in Munich.

Meanwhile, President Putin denies any aspirations to restore the Soviet Union or to aggress against European allies.

In tandem with ongoing peace initiatives, Russia and Ukraine engaged in further military strikes against one another.

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 138 ballistic missiles and drones toward Ukraine overnight, with 110 aircraft intercepted or shot down. Strikes were detected in six locations.

Zelenskiy mentioned that a vast number of households in southern, eastern, and northeastern Ukraine remain without power, and efforts are ongoing to restore electricity, heating, and water following the previous night’s extensive attacks.

He reported that in the past week, Russia unleashed over 1,500 drones, nearly 900 guided bombs, and 46 different missiles towards Ukraine.

“Ukraine needs peace under acceptable terms, and we are prepared to work as constructively as possible. Diplomatic efforts in the coming days will be crucial, and it’s vital that we achieve results,” said Zelenskiy.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the downing of 235 Ukrainian drones late Saturday into Sunday.

In the Belgorod region, a drone strike injured a man and set his home ablaze in the village of Yasniye Zori, shared by regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

Ukrainian drones targeted an oil depot in Uryupinsk, Volgograd region, leading to a fire, according to Governor Andrei Bocharov.

Also, in the Krasnodar region, Ukrainian drones struck the town of Afipskiy, home to an oil refinery. The explosion shattered windows in residential areas, though no damages to the refinery itself were reported.