Witkoff and Zelensky head to Berlin to reconcile the West's offer to Russia

Ukraine, the United States and the European powers continue to search for a common position that would create a framework for a possible peace agreement with Russia. According to an official from the French presidential office, the negotiations are to include security guarantees for Kiev.

"Our aim is to create a solid common basis for negotiations. This basis must unite Ukrainians, Americans and Europeans," the French official told reporters.

Such a framework, he said, should make it possible to present "a firm and lasting peace offer that respects international law and Ukraine's sovereign interests."

A joint document has not yet emerged. However, all sides plan to continue intensive negotiations through phone calls and face-to-face meetings in the coming days. The French official did not indicate whether Washington had set a specific timeframe.

At the same time, the White House is pressing Kiev to reach a swift conclusion to the peace. Ukraine, however, is resisting a U.S. proposal made last month that many say is too accommodating to Moscow.

Britain, France and Germany, along with other European partners and Ukraine, have been tweaking the original US proposals in recent weeks. These envisaged that Ukraine would give up some territory, abandon its ambition to join Nato and accept limits on the size of its armed forces.

Negotiations have focused mainly on territorial issues and security guarantees after a peace deal. The French official confirmed that they are also discussing a mechanism similar to NATO's Article 5, which would involve the United States in order to deter Russia from further aggression.

Diplomatic efforts are due to continue over the weekend in Berlin. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will meet there with President Volodymyr Zelensky and officials from France, Britain and Germany. Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, will also attend the meeting.

The Wall Street Journal reported that French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz may also join the debate. However, the White House indicated that the participation of US officials would depend on real progress in the talks.

(reuters, lud)