Ukraine has rejected the idea of a demilitarized zone, which was discussed during the negotiations in Berlin, where President Volodymyr Zelensky met with envoys of former US President Donald Trump. Following the meeting, the American side stated that 90% of the issues had been resolved, however, Ukraine adheres to its own “red lines”.
The negotiations lasted for two days—December 14 and 15, and details have appeared in German and international media. The main focus was on security issues at Ukraine’s borders and in the context of combating aggression. The Ukrainian side dismissed the idea of creating a demilitarized zone, as it is deemed controversial for the national security strategy. Additionally, such a zone could become a leverage for pressure in the hands of other countries.
Trump’s envoys, including Jared Kushner, sought to achieve concessions from both sides, but ultimately emphasized that the consultations enabled the resolution of most contentious issues. There is no official information on the specifics, but it is known that the meeting took place within the framework of broader mediation efforts in conflict settlement.
Ukrainian experts assert that maintaining sovereignty and territorial integrity is a fundamental position for Zelensky, which cannot be compromised, even with diplomatic concessions. At the same time, continued dialogue with international partners indicates Ukraine’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
| Key Points | Negotiation Results |
|---|---|
| Duration of negotiations | December 14-15 |
| Participants | Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump’s envoys |
| Resolved issues | 90% |
| Demilitarized zone | Rejected by Ukraine |
