Media: Ukraine peace talks enter new phase

Peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine have intensified in recent days, with major European countries, the United States, and institutions including the EU and NATO increasingly involved in diplomatic efforts.

According to Germany’s Bild newspaper, citing sources, the current level of engagement is the most active since February 2022.

A meeting of advisers from Ukraine, Germany, France and the United Kingdom is being prepared in Paris, while a separate summit is planned in Berlin involving European leaders as well as representatives of the EU and NATO. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the Berlin talks.

International media reports also say that US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are due to travel to Berlin, despite earlier indications that discussions would take place by video link. The move is being interpreted as a sign of increased pressure from Washington to speed up progress towards an agreement.

Key issues on the agenda are expected to include the situation in the Donbas region, possible security guarantees for Ukraine, the reconstruction of damaged cities, and the future of frozen Russian assets.

While differences remain between the EU and the United States over how those funds should be used, sources suggest that initial outcomes from the talks could emerge in the coming weeks.

By Aghakazim Guliyev