US Envoy Steve Witkoff to Hold Significant Talks with Zelensky in Berlin

Sat Dec 13 2025 21:47:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders this weekend in Berlin to discuss the ongoing Ukraine war and a proposed peace agreement.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff will engage in high-level talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders in Berlin this weekend as part of efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The discussions will center around a revised peace plan, which has been met with skepticism from Zelensky, especially concerning territorial disputes. The Trump administration is pushing for a deal by Christmas but significant challenges remain in reaching an agreement.

US President Donald Trump's overseas envoy will travel to Germany this weekend to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders for the latest round of high-level talks on ending the war.

Steve Witkoff, who has been leading White House attempts to mediate between Ukraine and Russia, will discuss the latest version of the proposed peace agreement in Berlin.

The Trump administration is pushing for a deal to be in place by Christmas and has held several rounds of talks with Ukrainian and Russian representatives in recent weeks. However, there has been little sign that a breakthrough is imminent.

It has not yet been confirmed which European leaders will attend the Berlin talks, but reports suggest that UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will participate.

The Witkoff-Zelensky meeting follows Ukraine's submission of a revised 20-point peace plan, fueling diplomatic activity as discussions continue amidst ongoing territorial disputes in eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Zelensky has expressed skepticism regarding the US proposal, which entails Ukraine withdrawing from certain territories, which he believes might leave openings for Russian advancement. The negotiations are complicated by the longstanding conflict over the Donbas region and the illegal occupation of various territories.

As the diplomatic push continues, the attention shifts towards how Ukraine will be supported in the event of a peace deal, including security guarantees and financial assistance amid a dire financial situation for the Ukrainian government.