Zelensky Seeks U.S. Endorsement for Front Line Freeze at Berlin Negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his hope on Sunday that the United States would endorse the proposal to maintain the current configuration of the front line in Ukraine during discussions in Berlin.

Zelensky indicated his willingness for «dialogue» in the latest series of critical negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy and European leaders aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia.

«The most just solution would be to simply ‘remain where we are.’ This reflects a ceasefire … I understand that Russia may not view this favorably, and I would appreciate American backing on this matter,» Zelensky stated to reporters just before his arrival in Berlin.

Trump has been intensifying pressure on Kyiv to finalize an agreement following the announcement of a peace plan last month, which faced criticism for aligning with Moscow’s demands, including the cession of territory such as several heavily fortified cities.

The plan has sparked a surge of diplomatic activity among the United States and Ukraine’s European partners, with officials in Kyiv recently noting that they sent a revised proposal to Washington.

Zelensky mentioned on Sunday that he had yet to receive a response from Washington regarding Ukraine’s revisions but added: «I am getting all the signals and will be prepared for the dialogue that commences today.»

«The summit in Berlin holds significant importance. We are convening with both American and European stakeholders … These discussions are taking place today and tomorrow in Berlin,» Zelensky noted.

A White House representative confirmed to AFP on Friday that Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff would engage with Zelensky and European leaders over the weekend to review the status of peace talks.

«The key aspect is that the plan must be as equitable as possible, especially for Ukraine, since Russia initiated the conflict,» Zelensky emphasized.

The renewed push to end the war, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths since Russia’s invasion in 2022, coincides with reports from Kyiv of new aerial assaults.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched 138 drones and a ballistic missile overnight.

A Russian drone reportedly struck «one of the hospitals in Kherson,» as confirmed by the regional administration on Telegram, injuring two individuals, including a nurse.

Governor Ivan Fedorov reported that at least 11 people were injured in the attacks on the Zaporizhzhia region.