Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signaled a pragmatic shift in Ukraine’s foreign policy, suggesting the nation might forgo its NATO membership aspirations in favor of concrete security guarantees from Western allies. However, he reiterated Ukraine’s unequivocal refusal to surrender any territory to Russia as peace negotiations unfold.
Arriving in Berlin for critical diplomatic engagements, Zelenskyy articulated that if Ukraine’s NATO path is blocked, then equivalent security assurances are imperative. He stressed that these guarantees must be legally enforceable and possess the backing of the U.S. Congress, aiming to establish a deterrent against further Russian aggression. He views this potential pivot as a considerable compromise on Ukraine’s part.
Discussions in Berlin involved key U.S. officials and European counterparts, all focused on brokering an end to the conflict. A major obstacle in these talks is the disposition of eastern Ukrainian territories, especially Donetsk. Zelenskyy explicitly rejected a U.S.-backed proposal for a demilitarized economic zone, questioning its feasibility and fairness. He argued that any troop withdrawals should be mutual and proportional, rather than unilaterally demanded from Ukrainian forces.
From the Russian side, there have been indications of a rigid negotiating position, with statements suggesting Russian forces would maintain their presence in certain areas regardless of diplomatic outcomes. European leaders have also voiced concerns about the broader implications of Russian expansionism.
Despite the diplomatic push, military actions persist. Both nations reported significant aerial attacks during the night, with Ukraine citing widespread drone and missile strikes that damaged infrastructure and cut power, and Russia reporting interceptions of Ukrainian aerial threats.