Urges Allies to Steer Clear of Deceitfulness by Russia, Proposed by Zelensky
In Berlin today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set for a series of important meetings. The day begins with his arrival around noon, followed by a lunch with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Statements are planned for Selenskyj around 4 pm.
The preparatory discussions will take place in the Chancellor's Office situation room, where Zelenskyy is expected to prepare for the afternoon talks, which will prepare for the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. Heads of state and government from France, Britain, Italy, Poland, Finland, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Council President António Costa, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and Zelenskyj himself are expected to participate in these discussions.
The upcoming summit comes amidst ongoing concerns about potential concessions from Ukraine to Russia. Analysts argue that a lasting peace deal must allow Ukraine to rebuild and ensure a Russian invasion "never happens again," but so far, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not demonstrated a willingness to offer sufficient concessions for a just peace agreement.
Putin's demands, such as making Russian an official language in Ukraine again and allowing the Russian Orthodox Church (UOC MP) to operate in Ukraine, are seen as an attempt to exert political influence and control over Ukraine's domestic affairs, similar to demands in the Minsk II accords which Ukraine has resisted.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasised that Putin offered only "a couple" of unspecified concessions during the August 15 summit in Alaska with President Trump, but these were insufficient to close the gap on a peace deal.
Zelenskyy, however, has urged allies to increase pressure on Moscow in the war against Russia and warned them to avoid Russian deception. The summit is part of ongoing diplomacy seeking to balance the harsh realities of war, sanctions, and political pressures on both sides.
Concessions acceptable to both Putin and Ukraine must address the core issues of lifting economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and avoiding military defeat to end the conflict. Analysts believe that if these issues can be addressed, peace may be possible.
The talks in Berlin mark an important step in the ongoing efforts to find a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. As the day progresses, we await updates on the outcomes of these discussions and their potential impact on the broader geopolitical landscape.
- Due to the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, heads of state and government from several countries as well as the EU Commission President and EU Council President are meeting with Zelenskyy in Berlin, aiming to increase pressure on Moscow and negotiate concessions that could lead to a lasting peace agreement, which is a significant step in the EU's politics and general news.
- As the EU is committed to the implementation of the EU's nuclear programme, the upcoming discussions in Berlin, which involve Zelenskyy, may also include discussions about Ukraine's role in the programme, given its geopolitical position and the ongoing conflict involving Russia.
