President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commenced a tightly scheduled series of engagements in Berlin on Monday, signaling a renewed, albeit complex, diplomatic push regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The visit, already underway since Sunday, underscores the continued importance of German and European engagement despite frustrating stagnation in peace talks.
Zelenskyy’s day began with a formal reception by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace. Following this, the Ukrainian leader is set to meet with Bundestag President Julia Klöckner and subsequently participate in the 8th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum. The program culminates in a crucial meeting with German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, expected to be joined by a significant cohort of European heads of state and government, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, will also be present for this pivotal session.
The visit’s urgency is compounded by a prior, discreet meeting held Sunday evening at the Chancellery involving Zelenskyy, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, advisor to former President Trump. Witkoff’s subsequent statement regarding “significant progress” hints at a potentially unconventional diplomatic track being explored alongside more traditional channels.
Friedrich Merz, prior to the extensive talks, expressed hope that Berlin would provide a venue for “definitive” discussions on ending the war. However, the circumstances surrounding these discussions are fraught with political caution. Merz’s role as opposition leader places him in a position of both scrutiny and potential influence, likely amplifying the pressures surrounding any proposed resolutions.
The security apparatus surrounding Zelenskyy’s visit is substantial, reflecting the sensitivity of the talks and the potential for disruption. Berlin has implemented the highest security level, resulting in widespread road closures concentrated around the government district. The Reichstag building remains closed to visitors and public transportation has been significantly altered, illustrating the profound impact these diplomatic efforts are having on the city.
The visit’s ultimate success remains uncertain, but it undeniably places renewed focus on European and transatlantic efforts to find a pathway to resolution in Ukraine, even amidst skepticism about achievable outcomes.