On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Berlin. To that end, he’s prepared to enter a robust and sustained period of diplomatic dialogue to address the new normal of conflict in Ukraine. He’s here to prepare for key phone calls as he continues to travel. He’ll be meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump and other European leaders to shore up support for countering Russia and securing Ukraine’s energy independence.
A bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is on Zelenskyy’s schedule. This meeting is likely to shine a spotlight on Ukraine’s immediate defense needs, as well longer-term planning for energy security with winter coming on. Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy had addressed the German opposition party leader, Friedrich Merz. They stressed the importance of a strong and united front against Russian aggression on their call with Trump and Republican Senator JD Vance.
Even when first touring Europe to speak with various leaders, Zelenskyy stood his ground against Russia’s initial offers. He held firm against giving up any additional land for a ceasefire. He continued that such offers are not a true olive branch for peace. Rather, he’s called the proposals nothing more than Russia’s efforts to stop its advances without making real concessions.
“There is no sign now that the Russians are preparing to end the war,” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy was adamant that Ukraine will not accept peace negotiations that endanger its territorial integrity. He remarked on Russia’s current position, saying they were “simply offering not to advance further, not to withdraw from anywhere.” He emphasized that any peace negotiations should exclude territorial swaps because this would violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and autonomy.
The Ukrainian leader’s relationship-building efforts face substantive challenges too, particularly when he pressed for military and financial assistance or sanctions against Russia. He defended the continued need for European allies to “be the ones to put pressure on Russia” to make a peace settlement possible. In the course of a joint press statement with Merz, van der Bellen made some telling remarks. Both leaders touched on the need for more cooperation between NATO allies.
Meanwhile back in Berlin, Zelenskyy continues to make his mark in the diplomatic arena. This strategy is meant to deepen partnerships and deliver Ukraine the resources it needs to win. announced a €500 million financing agreement. Beyond directly helping the Ukrainian people in a time of need, this investment will continue to improve Ukraine’s energy security as winter sets in.
“For the first time, such a loan is provided under EU guarantee, without a Ukrainian state guarantee,” – Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s Minister of Economy.
The grant agreement prioritizes supporting Ukraine through the upcoming heating season. It is delivering homes the heat and light they need right now, despite persistent energy issues exacerbated by the war. This announcement underscores the urgent need to meet energy needs. With each passing day of this brutal conflict, civilian infrastructure is increasingly under threat.
Zelenskyy’s Berlin day also features a virtual address to, as he’s dubbed it, “the coalition of the willing.” This tribe includes many military, business and political leaders with a stake in pushing back against Russian advances. His hope, he said, is to firm up support and better coordinate efforts between allies as they continue to fight this unwarranted Russian aggression.
“Our coordinated efforts and joint steps can definitely force Russia to make peace,” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In the afternoon, our Trump and Vance will be listening to Zelenskyy speak. The phone call is scheduled for 2 PM BST, 3 PM CEST. This call is expected to cover general U.S. support for Ukraine, U.S. priorities in supporting Ukraine, and what the U.S. should do going forward. Unfortunately, his troubled relationship with NATO and our European allies only adds complexity to the negotiations. His involvement only deepens the drama in what are already labyrinthine negotiations.
Indeed, as part of his ongoing diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyy understands that it is vital for Europe to absorb the lessons of Ukraine’s struggle. He remarked, “We must learn from the experience of Ukraine,” highlighting the importance of vigilance against misinformation and deceptive tactics employed by Russia during negotiations.
Recent military hostilities between Ukraine and Russia further aggravate divisions. Now city, state, and federal leaders, as well as national security experts, are sounding alarm bells about Russia’s long-term intentions. Fiona Hill, an expert on Russian affairs, recently explained how much President Putin likes to “spar” in diplomatic situations, making negotiations very difficult.
“And Putin likes sparring … he prides himself on being able to be light on his feet in these kinds of settings,” – Fiona Hill.
As Zelenskyy continues to walk this diplomatic tightrope, he will have supporters and skeptics from different camps in Europe. As Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó recently argued, Ukraine could have and should have advocated for negotiations much sooner in the war. He suggested that a more proactive approach would have spared more lives and minimized displacement.
Zelenskyy’s visit represents more than just a series of meetings. It illustrates Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty and security amid an aggressive neighbor. His conviction to galvanize global support is commendable. So is his recognition of the urgent need to act. It exposes the contradictions and the challenge to create a durable peace.