The upcoming meeting in Berlin between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European officials is set to focus on advancing a proposed peace framework, though analysts warn reaching a deal may be difficult.
Witkoff is expected to discuss the latest version of the proposed peace agreement and hold talks on Sunday, 14 December, and Monday, with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz taking part, according to reports.
Political analyst Nikola Mikovic, speaking to AnewZ from Belgrade, Serbia, outlined the competing approaches at play and the challenges in aligning U.S. and European expectations.
“They were initially supposed to hold the meeting in Paris, but it was reportedly cancelled. And now they’re scheduled to meet in Berlin,” Mikovic said.
"Although I’m not sure if they will reach a deal, the United States is attempting to pressure Kyiv and its European allies to accept Donald Trump’s peace proposal,” he noted.
Two approaches
Mikovic said Washington and its allies were pursuing different strategies and positions.
The first, led by the United States, suggests that Ukraine should make territorial concessions to Russia and freeze the conflict, which would serve Donald Trump’s interest by portraying him as a peacekeeper.
The United States could also benefit strategically, particularly if it establishes influence over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility.
By contrast, Kyiv and European powers, including the United Kingdom, are firmly opposed to such a solution.
“They back Ukraine’s war efforts and have repeatedly stated that Ukraine should continue fighting until it recaptures territories currently under Russian control,” Mikovic said.
The analyst noted that the Trump administration is actively attempting to pressure Ukraine and Europe to freeze the conflict, but expressed scepticism over the likelihood of success.
Mikovic concluded by stressing that the war will only end when one of the parties is no longer capable of continuing the fight. “As I repeatedly stated over the years, this war will end when one of the two involved parties is no longer in a position to continue fighting. And we’re still far from such an outcome,” he said.
The Berlin meeting, therefore, comes amid sharp differences in strategy and objectives, with both sides under pressure to articulate their positions and clarify expectations before any potential progress can be made.
These talks follow Ukraine’s submission of a revised 20-point peace plan to the United States, first proposed in late November, which has prompted intensified diplomatic activity.
Territorial disputes in eastern Ukraine remain the most contentious issue, with Kyiv refusing to cede land it says has been illegally occupied and Moscow insisting it will take full control of the Donbas region by force unless Ukraine withdraws.
Israel said it struck military targets in western and central Iran on Monday, even after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly told Israeli Prime Min...
The Prime Minister's party is in the lead as Armenian media are reporting that the country's Central Election Commission has completed the vote count...
A powerful earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday (8 June), killing at least 15 people and triggering tsunami warn...
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday (8 June) for a rare summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, receiving a grand welcome...
Football fans of all ages gathered in Miami Beach for a World Cup sticker trading event, exchanging duplicates and comparing Panini albums as they pre...
The Prime Minister's party is in the lead as Armenian media are reporting that the country's Central Election Commission has completed the vote count in the parliamentary elections. An official announcement is still expected.
A powerful earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday (8 June), killing at least 15 people and triggering tsunami warnings across the region.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday (8 June) for a rare summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, receiving a grand welcome as he described relations between the two countries as being at a "new historical starting point".
Football fans of all ages gathered in Miami Beach for a World Cup sticker trading event, exchanging duplicates and comparing Panini albums as they prepared for the tournament's opening match.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian authorities arrested six candidates from the pro-Russian Strong Armenia bloc on Saturday, one day before voters were due to take part in parliamentary elections.
The Prime Minister's party is in the lead as Armenian media are reporting that the country's Central Election Commission has completed the vote count in the parliamentary elections. An official announcement is still expected.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday (8 June) for a rare summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, receiving a grand welcome as he described relations between the two countries as being at a "new historical starting point".
Football fans of all ages gathered in Miami Beach for a World Cup sticker trading event, exchanging duplicates and comparing Panini albums as they prepared for the tournament's opening match.
A city north of Tokyo has suspended classes at all 94 of its primary and middle schools after its first-ever reported bear sighting, amid growing concern over increasing encounters between bears and people across Japan.
A Turkish fishing vessel rescued migrants from a boat in distress in international waters off Malta on Sunday (7 June), after the overcrowded craft capsized in the central Mediterranean.
The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have backed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposal to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as efforts to secure a ceasefire continue.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment