August M
Lengthy talks between Ukrainian and American officials aimed at outlining a path to end the war concluded without agreement on the most sensitive issue.
While some flexibility emerged on political questions, territory once again proved to be the main obstacle.
The negotiations, reported by Digi24.ro and citing German media, underline how far apart the sides remain despite hours of discussion.
Long Berlin talks
The meeting in Berlin lasted around five hours and focused on proposals to end the conflict.
Ukrainian officials presented Kyiv’s version of a potential peace plan, while US representatives outlined ideas supported by Donald Trump’s administration.
According to Bild, the discussions ended without a compromise on the future of Donbas, the eastern region partly occupied by Russian forces.
Despite the impasse, Kyiv signalled a willingness to discuss other contentious issues.
Areas of flexibility
Ukrainian negotiators indicated they were prepared to talk about abandoning NATO membership and holding elections as soon as conditions allow.
They also signalled openness to temporarily freezing the front line, which would mean accepting de facto loss of control over territories currently occupied by Russia.
However, Ukrainian officials made clear that any further concessions on territory would cross a red line, Digi24.ro reports.
The Donbas dispute
According to Digi24.ro, the core disagreement centres on the Donetsk region. Bild reported that the US proposed creating a “demilitarised zone” in parts of Donbas.
Under the proposal, Ukraine would withdraw from around 5,600 square kilometres of territory it currently controls in Donetsk, while Russian troops would not immediately move into the area.
Kyiv categorically rejected demands to pull its forces out of cities and towns it still holds in the region.
Kyiv’s counterproposal
Ukraine responded with its own alternative. President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined the idea publicly.
“If Ukrainian troops withdraw, say, five to ten kilometres, why shouldn’t Russian troops also withdraw the same distance inside the occupied territories?” he said, Digi24.ro notes.
For now, the territorial question remains unresolved, leaving future negotiations uncertain.
Sources: Digi24.ro, Bild
