High-level discussions aimed at securing a peace deal for Ukraine are underway in Berlin, where US officials are meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders. The meeting on Monday is significant as it follows indications from the White House that officials would only attend if substantial progress had been made in the negotiations.
Among the US delegation are Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, and US envoy Steve Witkoff. Their presence in Germany could signal a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest for a resolution to the conflict that has claimed thousands of lives since its onset.
Peace Plan Revisions and Sticking Points
Earlier this week, Ukraine and European leaders delivered their revisions to a proposed peace plan from Washington. This draft, which had been leaked last month, sparked controversy for its perceived concessions to Russia, including territorial cessions and restrictions on Ukraine’s military and NATO ambitions. The most contentious issue remains territorial integrity, with Russian President Vladimir Putin demanding control over the resource-rich Donbas region, encompassing parts of Donetsk and Luhansk. Zelensky has consistently labeled such demands as unacceptable.
Reports indicate that the US has floated a “compromise vision” involving a potential withdrawal of both Ukrainian and Russian troops from eastern Donetsk, where Russian forces currently occupy approximately 80% of the region. Zelensky noted discussions surrounding the establishment of a “free economic zone,” which the US has termed differently as a “demilitarized zone.” He emphasized the need for clarity regarding who would oversee and enforce such arrangements to ensure the withdrawal of Russian troops.
As the discussions unfold, Zelensky has highlighted the necessity for any territorial decisions to be determined by the Ukrainian people, either through a referendum or elections. Additionally, a potential clause similar to NATO’s Article 5, which would provide security assurances to Kyiv in the event of further Russian aggression, is under consideration, according to a French official.
Continued Violence Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, violence persists in Ukraine, marking the conflict as the deadliest since World War II. Reports indicate that at least two Russian nationals were killed in an attack on a Russian oil refinery in the Saratov region, with explosions reported throughout the night. This facility, owned by state oil giant Rosneft, has been a repeated target for Ukrainian forces in recent weeks.
In Ukraine, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported three fatalities overnight in the contested Donetsk region, with around 400 individuals forced to evacuate from the frontline. The violence is compounded by Russian strikes that involved the deployment of approximately 450 drones and 30 missiles, leading to power outages affecting over one million residents in Kyiv and surrounding areas.
“It is important that everyone now sees what Russia is doing—every step they take in terror against our people, all their attacks,” Zelensky stated. He underscored the need for increased pressure on Russia to halt its aggressive actions, noting that the ongoing violence is indicative of Moscow’s intent to destabilize Ukraine further.
As the talks progress, Zelensky has indicated that the US aims to finalize a comprehensive understanding of the peace plan by December 25, 2023. The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring an end to a conflict that has wrought significant human suffering and geopolitical instability.
