Zelensky Aims for U.S. Backing to Halt Front Line Advances at Berlin Summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his hope on Sunday that the United States would support the concept of maintaining the current front lines in Ukraine during their upcoming discussions in Berlin.

Zelensky stated he was open to «dialogue» in the latest round of critical negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump’s representative and European leaders aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia.

«The most equitable solution would be to ‘maintain the status quo.’ This is valid as it represents a ceasefire … I understand that Russia does not view this favorably, and I would appreciate it if the Americans could back us on this matter,» Zelensky informed reporters just before his arrival in Berlin.

Trump has been increasing pressure on Kyiv to finalize an agreement since unveiling a peace plan last month that faced criticism for mirroring Russia’s conditions, which include demands for Ukraine to relinquish territory, including several heavily fortified urban areas.

The proposal has spurred a flurry of diplomatic activity between the United States and Ukraine’s European allies, with officials in Kyiv recently indicating that they had sent Washington an amended version.

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

«The Berlin summit is significant. We are convening with both American and European leaders … These discussions are taking place in Berlin today and tomorrow,» Zelensky elaborated.

A White House representative confirmed to AFP on Friday that Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, would be meeting with Zelensky and European leaders over the weekend to review the state of peace negotiations.

«The key point is that the plan should be as just as possible, particularly for Ukraine, since it was Russia that initiated the conflict,» Zelensky remarked.

This latest initiative to cease a war that has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties since Russia’s invasion in 2022 comes amid reports of new aerial assaults from Kyiv.

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

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

Governor Ivan Fedorov reported that at least 11 people sustained injuries from the strikes in the Zaporizhzhia region.