Zelensky held secret negotiations in Berlin: what concessions are being demanded from Ukraine.

According to ТСН: On December 14 and 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held negotiations in Berlin with a US delegation led by special representative Steve Wertkoff and Jared Kushner. During the meetings, many important issues regarding a peace agreement were discussed, including security guarantees, territorial concessions, and the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war.

Although Western media note that the negotiations were productive, the details of the agreements are still unknown. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is ready for certain concessions to achieve peace but has a clear position regarding its 'red lines'.

What is being demanded from Ukraine

According to AFP, during the negotiations, US representatives called on Ukraine to concede unoccupied territories in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions to continue peace talks with Russia. This raised concerns among the publication's sources regarding a potential shift in US positions towards Russia.

Washington previously proposed creating a 'free economic zone' in those territories of the Donetsk region that Russia wants to take. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that Ukrainian troops could be withdrawn from the Donetsk region, but the question arises as to who will control this zone, as the Russians call it 'demilitarized.'

'They (the US - Ed.) do not know who will control this territory. Ukrainian troops seem to be leaving, Russian ones are not coming in. But who is responsible for this zone - the question is open,' Zelensky said.

The head of state emphasized that his government cannot agree to conditions that require the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops without adequate concessions from Russia. At the same time, the Kremlin insists that Ukraine legally enshrine the refusal to join NATO, which, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, is a 'cornerstone of the negotiations.'

'The issue of a legally binding document regarding Kyiv's non-accession to NATO is the cornerstone of the negotiations,' propagandistic media quote him.

Ukraine's position on Donbas

During tense discussions in Berlin, Zelensky refused to discuss the unilateral withdrawal of the Ukrainian army from the Donetsk region. Kyiv is ready to consider the possibility of a temporary 'freezing' of the front and realistically acknowledging the loss of control over occupied territories, but categorically rejects any demands that would lead to the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the controlled part of the Donetsk region.

In particular, Ukraine rejected the US proposal to withdraw troops from approximately 5600 square kilometers of Donetsk for the creation of a 'demilitarized economic zone,' considering this 'equivalent to capitulation.'

'We will not accept this. It will be equivalent to the capitulation of the Ukrainian army,' commented one high-ranking official.

Zelensky also emphasized the importance of both Ukrainian and Russian troops withdrawing.

What Ukraine is ready to give up for peace

Kyiv has shown a willingness to seek compromises to achieve a ceasefire, in particular by temporarily postponing its aspiration to join NATO in exchange for reliable security guarantees from the US.

Zelensky noted that initially, Ukraine aimed to join NATO as the main security guarantee but did not receive full support from international partners. Currently, the compromise is obtaining bilateral security guarantees, including from the US and other countries.

'A fair and viable option is 'we stay where we stand,'' the president stated.

When a deal that brings about a ceasefire may be reached

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov stated that a peace agreement may be reached soon, and negotiations with partners have been constructive. He expressed hopes for an agreement that would provide a chance for peace.

According to Bild, after the negotiations in Berlin, there appeared a possibility of reaching a peace agreement by Christmas.

• The visit of special representatives of US President Donald Trump to the negotiations is a serious signal, previously accompanied by the achievement of compromises;
• The position of Washington anticipates pressure on Kyiv to achieve 'painful compromises' in exchange for security guarantees;
• The information silence regarding the details of negotiations indicates deliberate intentions to announce 'peace by Christmas.'

Why a peace agreement may become a trap

The head of European diplomacy, Kaia Kallas, warned against risky territorial concessions during negotiations, noting that 'Donbas is not the ultimate goal of Putin.'

She emphasized that if Ukraine retreats, it poses a threat to other regions.

Kallas also mentioned the importance of financing for Ukraine, noting that several options are being developed, including reparative loans.

Earlier, the first deputy foreign minister of Ukraine, Serhiy Kyslytsia, commented on rumors surrounding the US's position during peace negotiations.

During the negotiations between Ukraine and the US in Berlin, important issues pertaining to peace and security are being discussed. While Kyiv is ready for compromises, it remains firm on its key demands. The negotiations indicate a complex balance between achieving peace and maintaining Ukraine's national security. Developments in the near future could significantly impact regional stability and the political situation.