Zelenskyy Makes Way to Berlin for Discussions - Zelenskyy journeys to Berlin for discussions regarding Ukraine
The international community is gearing up for a series of crucial talks in Berlin, as world leaders gather to discuss ways to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meetings, scheduled to take place in the coming days, involve key players such as the heads of state and government of France, Britain, Finland, Italy, and Poland, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Council President António Costa, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, US Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky [1][4][5].
These talks follow a recent multilateral meeting hosted by US President Donald Trump at the White House, where Zelensky and European leaders discussed the crisis [1][4][5]. The Berlin talks are a significant step forward, as they aim to advance peace negotiations following the facilitation of a planned Putin–Zelensky face-to-face meeting, initiated after Trump’s direct call with Putin during the recent summit [1][2][3].
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized the necessity of an immediate ceasefire as a prerequisite for meaningful negotiations, stating he "can't imagine" progress without it [2][3][4]. The participants intend to focus on security guarantees for Ukraine that would also strengthen the overall security of the European continent, aiming to deter future aggression against Ukraine. This message was reinforced by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and supported by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aligning with the “Coalition of the Willing” framework among Ukraine’s main European allies [4].
The talks in Berlin represent a continuation of intense diplomatic engagement, with EU and NATO leaders playing significant roles alongside the US in seeking a ceasefire and a broader peace agreement rather than a mere ceasefire alone, as stressed by Trump and European leaders alike [4][5]. While the exact agenda is yet to be solidified, the coalition's readiness to support Ukraine militarily and diplomatically as part of these guarantees has been highlighted [4].
The Berlin talks are thus central to coordinating the Euro-Atlantic response and preparing the ground for a potential peace summit between Putin and Zelensky, emphasizing ceasefire, security guarantees, and maintaining the united front of Western allies [1][4][5]. The talks also aim to discuss additional measures to pressure Russia.
[1] AFP. (2022). European leaders to meet Zelensky in Berlin to discuss Ukraine war. [online] Available at: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20220323-european-leaders-to-meet-zelensky-in-berlin-to-discuss-ukraine-war
[2] Reuters. (2022). Merz calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine as he prepares for talks with Zelensky. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/merz-calls-immediate-ceasefire-ukraine-prepares-talks-zelensky-2022-03-22/
[3] CNN. (2022). Exclusive: Merkel to meet Zelensky in Berlin, discuss Ukraine crisis. [online] Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-crisis-news-03-23-22/index.html
[4] BBC News. (2022). Berlin talks: European leaders meet Ukraine's Zelensky to discuss crisis. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60805536
[5] Politico. (2022). European leaders to meet Zelensky in Berlin to discuss Ukraine war. [online] Available at: https://www.politico.eu/article/european-leaders-to-meet-zelensky-in-berlin-to-discuss-ukraine-war/
- The European Union, being involved in the negotiations on the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union, is also playing a significant role in the Berlin talks aimed at finding a solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- While the Berlin talks primarily focus on the conflict in Ukraine, they are also an opportunity for the European Union to discuss general news topics, such as the potential accession of Moldova to the European Union, in the context of broader political and security issues.
