Ukraine’s president hopes the US will support a ceasefire along current front lines in high-stakes Berlin talks with Trump’s envoy and European leaders
BERLIN: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he will seek United States support to freeze the front line in its current position during critical talks in Berlin.
Zelensky told reporters he was ready for dialogue with US President Donald Trump’s envoy and European leaders on ending the war with Russia.
“The fairest possible option is to ‘stay where we are’. This is true because it is a ceasefire,” Zelensky said shortly before arriving in the German capital.
He acknowledged that Russia views this proposal negatively but expressed hope for American backing.
Trump has increased pressure on Kyiv to reach an agreement since unveiling a controversial peace plan last month.
That proposal was criticised for echoing Moscow’s demands, including that Ukraine cede crucial territory.
It has triggered intense diplomacy between Washington and Ukraine’s European allies.
Kyiv officials recently said they had sent Washington a revised version of the plan.
Zelensky stated he had not yet received a formal response from the US on Ukraine’s amendments.
“I am receiving all the signals and will be ready for the dialogue that will begin today,” he added.
He emphasised the importance of the Berlin summit, which includes meetings with American and European representatives.
A White House official confirmed Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff would meet Zelensky and European leaders over the weekend.
“The most important thing is that the plan should be as fair as possible, first and foremost for Ukraine, because Russia started the war,” Zelensky asserted.
The diplomatic push coincides with new Russian aerial strikes reported by Kyiv.
Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 138 drones and a ballistic missile overnight.
A Russian drone hit a hospital in Kherson, wounding two people including a nurse.
At least 11 people were wounded in strikes on the Zaporizhzhia region, according to governor Ivan Fedorov. – AFP
