On Sunday, Witkoff talked for several hours at the German Chancellery Office with representatives of Ukraine, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. Berlin has been trying to bring Witkoff to talks in Europe for a long time, and arranging his meeting with Zelensky is considered a success in the government, German media noted. Previously, Trump's negotiator visited Moscow many times, but never went to Kiev.
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What conversations did Steve Witkoff have in Berlin?
Who else is taking part in the talks in Germany?
What compromises does the peace plan for Ukraine include?
What did the German Defense Minister say about Witkoff's relations with the Kremlin?
In an interview with public television ZDF, Pistorius described Witkoff's close relations with the Kremlin as a “far from ideal” solution. – But, as they say, you can only dance with those who are on the dance floor – he added.
According to the Minister of Defense, we will find out exactly what the negotiations brought about in the coming days.
Europe will stand by Ukraine
On Monday morning, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also spoke on the matter. He emphasized that it is not true that European countries do not play a role in the ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine. He assured that Europe would continue to stand by this country.
— We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that Ukraine can exit [z trwających rozmów] with an optimal negotiating position. And in case of failure [tych rozmów] — so she can continue to respond to [rosyjską] aggression, having all the necessary means at its disposal, he said on Deutschlandfunk radio.
Peace 'will require compromises'
Before the meetings in Berlin, Zelensky said that the peace plan to end the war in Ukraine will require compromises, and that Kiev's concession is consent to security guarantees instead of joining NATO.
The talks that started on Sunday in Berlin will continue on Monday. During the day, Zelensky is to be received again at the Chancellor's Office, and in the evening a European summit with the participation of European leaders is planned.
Expected in the German capital are, among others: French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. Statements from the Ukrainian side indicate that the talks will concern, among others, guarantees of security, reconstruction of the country and a political agreement ending the war.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk will also take part in the leaders' meeting in Berlin, as announced by government spokesman Adam Szłapka on Monday morning.
Will this be a decisive week?
Pointing to the negotiations in Berlin and the EU summit starting on Thursday on the use of frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, the chairman of the Bundestag's foreign affairs committee, Armin Laschet, said that “we are entering a decisive week.”
Due to the presence of the most important European politicians in Berlin, restrictions can be expected in the Berlin government district, located near the main station, on Monday until late evening. The metro station near the Bundestag is not working, and some buses running through the center are temporarily closed. The President of Ukraine is subject to the highest security procedures, called “level 0” in Germany.
