Zelenskyy to visit Berlin on May 28 as chancellor pushes for peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to make a surprise visit to Berlin on May 28, where Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to discuss possible steps towards further technical negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

The Chancellor is also set to inform Zelenskyy about plans for a new EU sanctions package aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow to engage in serious talks, Caliber.Az reports, citing German media.

During the visit, Zelenskyy will also meet with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The spontaneous nature of the visit signals a shared desire between Merz and Zelenskyy to maintain momentum in European efforts to achieve meaningful negotiations. Alongside diplomatic discussions, military support for Ukraine is likely to be addressed.

While the new German government has been less forthcoming publicly about arms packages, behind-the-scenes preparations are underway to support Ukraine’s defence industry, including assistance with the production of longer-range weaponry.

From Merz’s perspective, the meeting is symbolic of his continued commitment to pursuing a ceasefire. Shortly after taking office, the Chancellor travelled to Kyiv with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, underscoring his determination to strengthen European efforts.

Since then, the Europeans have worked to increase pressure on Russia to agree first to a 30-day ceasefire, followed by substantive negotiations with Ukraine. Efforts to keep US President Donald Trump aligned with this approach have been challenging.

During Macron’s visit to Ukraine, Trump made a surprise phone call that initially raised hopes of swift sanctions against Russia and rapid talks. However, just days later, following a phone call between Trump and Vladimir Putin, those sanctions were no longer mentioned.

By Aghakazim Guliyev