Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to make a surprise visit to Berlin this Wednesday, where he will meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss ways to revive stalled peace talks with Russia, according to Der Spiegel.
Merz plans to use the meeting to outline next steps toward technical-level negotiations and update Zelenskyy on a new EU sanctions package aimed at pressuring Moscow into serious discussions. Zelenskyy will also meet German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during his visit.
The unannounced trip reflects European efforts to sustain momentum in bringing Ukraine and Russia back to the negotiating table. Military support for Ukraine is also expected to be a key point, with Germany quietly preparing to assist Ukraine’s defense industry, including in the production of long-range weapons, even as public statements about arms shipments remain cautious.
For Chancellor Merz, this meeting signals his ongoing commitment to achieving a ceasefire. Shortly after taking office, Merz joined French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on a visit to Kyiv, aiming to build pressure on Russia to agree to a 30-day truce as a first step toward peace talks.
Meanwhile, European leaders continue trying to keep U.S. President Donald Trump involved in the process, but with mixed results. During the Kyiv visit, Macron made an impromptu call to Trump, who initially supported tougher sanctions on Russia and urged swift negotiations. However, days later, after a phone conversation between Trump and Putin, the sanctions talk disappeared.
As diplomatic efforts falter, Russian military activity is intensifying sharply. Over the past week, Ukraine’s Air Force reported at least 1,390 drone attacks and 94 missile strikes targeting cities and military sites across the country. These assaults have killed at least 30 civilians and injured more than 160—marking the heaviest air raids since the war began. Notably, a Russian strike on Sunday killed 12 people just hours before a prisoner exchange, highlighting the ongoing volatility.
Zelenskyy’s visit comes at a critical moment, underscoring the difficult balance between diplomatic efforts and the harsh realities of escalating conflict on the ground.
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