US President Donald Trump’s overseas envoy, Steve Witkoff, will travel to Germany this weekend to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders for another round of high-level talks aimed at ending the war.
Witkoff, who has been leading US mediation efforts between Ukraine and Russia, is expected to review the latest version of a proposed peace deal during the meeting in Berlin. The Trump administration hopes to finalize an agreement by Christmas, though recent discussions have shown little sign of an imminent breakthrough. It is still unclear which European leaders will attend.
According to The Wall Street Journal, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are all expected to join the talks.
Russia Intensifies Attacks as Diplomacy Continues
Confirmation of Witkoff’s meeting with Zelensky comes shortly after Ukraine submitted a revised 20-point peace proposal to the US—an updated version of a plan first presented in late November. The proposal has sparked a wave of diplomatic activity, as both sides struggle to find common ground.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched a massive wave of strikes across the south overnight. Zelensky said energy facilities and industrial sites were hit, with more than 450 drones and 30 missiles used. Two civilians were injured, and thousands lost electricity across seven regions.
Russia’s defence ministry confirmed it used advanced weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which are difficult to track because they can change direction mid-flight.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant—located in Russian-controlled territory—temporarily lost all external power due to widespread grid damage before being reconnected. The plant relies on constant electricity to cool its reactors, even though it is not operating.
In Russia, Saratov regional governor Roman Busargin said two people were killed after a Ukrainian drone struck a residential building.
Territory Dispute Blocks Progress on Peace Deal
One of the hardest issues in the negotiations remains the future of eastern Ukraine. Kyiv refuses to give up any land that Russia has illegally occupied, while Moscow continues to insist it will seize the entire Donbas region unless Ukrainian forces withdraw.
Zelensky has voiced scepticism toward the latest US proposal, which suggests Ukrainian troops pull out of the region and transform it into a “special economic zone.” Under the plan, Russia would commit not to advance further. Zelensky questioned how such a promise could be enforced, asking: “What will restrain Russia from advancing? Or from infiltrating disguised as civilians?”
Despite these concerns, Ukraine and its European partners say recent talks have been productive, with improvements made to earlier drafts that were widely seen as favouring Russia.
However, signs of tension have emerged. Trump, in a recent interview with Politico, criticized European leaders as “weak” and again pushed for Ukraine to hold elections. Zelensky responded that elections could be held within 90 days — but only if the US and Europe provide sufficient security.
Europe Debates How to Support Ukraine
As diplomatic efforts continue, European governments are focused on how to support Ukraine financially and militarily should a peace deal move forward. Ukraine faces a significant budget gap, needing an additional €135.7bn over the next two years.
On Friday, EU nations agreed to freeze €210bn in Russian assets indefinitely. The move could allow those funds to be loaned to Ukraine after an EU summit next week, helping support military operations and reconstruction. Russia has condemned the action as theft and vowed legal action.
Additionally, one element of the latest peace plan reportedly includes Ukraine joining the European Union rapidly. According to Financial Times and AFP, EU officials are considering Ukraine’s accession as early as January 2027—though Washington has not confirmed agreement with this timeline.
Ukraine applied for EU membership days after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, but despite promises of an accelerated process, formal membership is still years away.