US and Ukraine Hold Ceasefire Talks in Berlin Ahead of Key European Summit

Germany is hosting a series of high-level discussions in Berlin this weekend as the United States and Ukraine step up ceasefire negotiations ahead of a major European summit scheduled for Monday.

Senior U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been leading Washington’s efforts on the Ukraine peace initiative, will travel to Berlin with Jared Kushner, a presidential adviser. The delegation will meet with Ukrainian officials and representatives from key European governments in an effort to make progress on a ceasefire framework and advance diplomatic efforts.

The talks are set against the backdrop of growing urgency among Western allies to solidify a path toward ending the war between Ukraine and Russia. On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will join European leaders in Berlin to reaffirm support and coordinate positions ahead of broader negotiations.

Washington’s decision to dispatch top envoys reflects an expectation that common ground can be found. The White House signaled that U.S. official involvement would hinge on the likelihood of meaningful progress.

European partners, including Britain, France and Germany, have been refining a U.S.-backed peace proposal in recent weeks. Leaked drafts of the plan have sparked debate because they include elements that Kyiv views as favorable to Russian demands, such as suggestions of territorial concessions and limits on Ukraine’s military capabilities. European leaders are working to adjust those terms ahead of the summit.

The Berlin meetings provide a platform for discussion on bridging differing priorities: Ukraine’s insistence on maintaining sovereignty over its territory and securing robust security guarantees, and U.S. and European efforts to shape a sustainable ceasefire and peace framework.