Ukraine negotiations intensify but some differences remain

Talks in Berlin this week failed to close the gap between Ukraine and the United States over the territorial concessions that could bring the three-year war to an end. Axios first reported on the discussions, which brought together European leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for two days of intensive negotiations.

The talks took place in shifting formats. Ukrainian officials met separately with their American and European counterparts before all sides convened for a joint dinner meeting.

According to Politico, Washington has put forward time sensitive security guarantees for Ukraine – broadly mirroring those of NATO’s Article 5 – including a commitment to intervene in the event of an attack. These guarantees, however, would expire if Kyiv chose not to accept the agreement.

U.S. sources explain that the proposal is accompanied by an implicit ultimatum to accept the agreement. The pressure to force a rapid decision, which some observers see as verging on coercive diplomacy, appears for now to be a priority for the U.S. President.

Media assessments of the talks have been cautious, contrasting with the optimism expressed by U.S. officials in Berlin, who insist that an agreement is close. Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, echoed that tone, describing the discussions as productive. Zelensky, meanwhile, struck a more guarded note, stressing that some elements under consideration were unacceptable. 

“There are things that are destructive and would definitely not help us,” he said, adding that they must be removed from revised drafts. “This matters, because dignity matters.”

In Washington, Trump claimed the parties are closer than ever to an agreement. “We are receiving tremendous support from European leaders. They want to get it [the war] ended.” “We need to get everyone on the same page,” he added.

Trump also argued that Ukraine has already lost territory, while emphasising that Europe would shoulder a significant share of future security guarantees.

The growing volume of cross messages between Washington, Kyiv and Moscow, with Europe attempting to assert itself as a central player, suggests the negotiations have entered their most critical phase to date.

European leaders attending the Berlin talks issued a joint statement reaffirming support for Ukraine and pledging to back whatever decision Zelensky takes on territorial questions.

Within the EU, a major unresolved issue remains the use of frozen Russian assets. The question will return to the table at the European Council summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday. Hungary and Slovakia remain opposed to asset freezes, while other governments, including Italy, have voiced reservations about their use and are calling for alternative ways to support Ukraine.