Russia has not yet backed down from the demands, according to European sources.
Russia's position
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Tuesday that Moscow was not yet clear on the agreements reached by the United States, Ukraine and the European Union at Monday's talks in Berlin. This was reported by Russian news agencies.
The leaders of ten European countries met in Berlin along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The aim of the meeting was to promote talks between the United States and Ukraine on ways to end the war.
At the same time, Ryabkov stressed that Russia was not prepared to make any territorial concessions as part of the negotiations to end the conflict. According to Russia's state-run TASS news agency, his remarks referred to the Donbas region, the Crimean peninsula, as well as the territories Moscow refers to as "Novorossiya."
Negotiations in Berlin
Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov described Monday's talks as "constructive and productive", saying they had made "real progress".
At the same time, Umerov urged the public not to succumb to rumours and anonymous speculation, as the information space is currently full of unverified claims, he said.
Speaking at the German-Ukrainian Economic Forum, Zelensky admitted that the talks contained a number of complicated topics: "These conversations are never simple. But they have been productive with many details - indeed many."
He said they openly discussed security guarantees, territorial arrangements, ceasefire monitoring and a long-term model of cooperation between Ukraine and the West.
Security guarantees
One of the most striking signals of the past few days was Zelensky's statement that he was ready to give up his bid for Ukraine to join NATO if the US and other partners provided equivalent security guarantees that would be legally binding and backed by the US Congress.
European leaders agreed that any territorial compromises could only be considered once Ukraine had a credible security framework.
In an updated statement signed by ten European leaders and Ursula von der Leyen, they said security guarantees must include a European-led multinational force. They should support the Ukrainian armed forces, help protect airspace and ensure safe seas - including through operations directly on Ukrainian territory.
The declaration also states that Ukraine should be able to maintain its armed forces at a level of around 800 000 troops in order to be able to deter future aggression.
The security guarantees are also to include a US-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism that would provide early warning of violations and ensure a swift response.
(reuters, pir, lud)
