U.S. officials are in Berlin for critical discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, aiming to advance talks for a peace deal to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, held on March 15, 2024, includes Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, reflecting Washington’s intensified efforts to facilitate a truce.
The White House had previously stated that any delegation would only attend the talks if sufficient progress was anticipated. This indicates that the current discussions may be pivotal in the search for a resolution to the war. Notably, a scheduled meeting among the UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine in Paris was canceled without explanation, raising questions about the dynamics of the ongoing negotiations.
Key Issues and Proposals
Recent interactions have revealed that Kyiv and European leaders have revised Washington’s proposed peace plan. This plan, which was leaked last month, included terms that many viewed as overly favorable to Russia, such as territorial concessions and restrictions on Ukraine’s military. Vladimir Putin, Russia’s leader, has demanded the entire mineral-rich Donbas region, which includes parts of Donetsk and Luhansk—territories that have been contested for nearly four years.
In response to these demands, Zelensky has labeled such conditions as unacceptable. Reports indicate that Washington has introduced a “compromise vision,” suggesting the withdrawal of both Ukrainian and Russian troops from eastern Donetsk, where Russian forces currently control about 80% of the area. “They discussed the issue of a ‘free economic zone.’ The Americans call it that, while the Russians refer to it as a ‘demilitarized zone,’” Zelensky stated, further emphasizing that significant concerns remain regarding the administration and enforcement of such a zone.
Zelensky expressed a desire for clarity regarding the peace plan by Christmas, insisting that any territorial decisions must be made by Ukrainians through elections or a referendum. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing regarding potential security guarantees for Ukraine that could resemble NATO’s Article 5, aiming to reassure Kyiv in the event of renewed aggression from Russia.
Continued Violence and Human Impact
Despite diplomatic efforts, violence persists in Ukraine, marking the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. Reports indicate that, on the same day as the Berlin meetings, a Ukrainian attack on a Russian oil refinery in Saratov resulted in the deaths of at least two Russians, with explosions reported throughout the night. This refinery, owned by the state oil giant Rosneft, has been a frequent target in recent weeks.
In Ukraine, casualties also continued to mount, with three individuals killed in the contested Donetsk region. Approximately 400 residents had to evacuate from the front lines, as reported by local Governor Vadym Filashkin. Overall, 35 additional individuals were injured across the nation when Russia launched 450 drones and 30 missiles, contributing to widespread power outages in Kyiv. According to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, over one million people were left without electricity due to targeted attacks on energy infrastructure.
Zelensky condemned the ongoing aggression, asserting, “It is important that everyone now sees what Russia is doing—every step they take in terror against our people, all their attacks, for this is clearly not about ending the war. They still aim to destroy our state and inflict maximum pain on our people.” He reiterated that while diplomatic efforts are crucial, pressure must be maintained on Russia to halt its military campaign.
As the situation continues to evolve, the outcome of the Berlin talks remains uncertain. The stakes are high, with peace negotiations facing significant challenges, especially concerning territorial integrity and national sovereignty. The international community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that will bring an end to the suffering in Ukraine.
