Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Kupyansk, which Russian President Vladimir Putin claims Russia "occupied" in November. Zelensky stressed that Ukrainian defenders are currently achieving results for Ukraine in this direction. According to him, the stronger their defense on the front lines, the stronger their negotiating positions will be. Zelensky assured that everything is being done to conclude the war with dignity.
Redaksiya, citing Unian, reports that the information about the Ukrainian president's visit on Friday was released by Merz's chief spokesperson, Stefan Cornelius. According to individuals familiar with the matter, before the meeting, national security advisors from Ukraine, Europe, and the US will hold discussions on draft plans. At the same time, those sharing this news noted that the plans could still change.
In addition, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to agree to a "limited ceasefire." Specifically, the discussion concerns limiting strikes on energy facilities. Erdoğan noted that he is "closely" following the negotiations to stop the war. He believes that progress can be made where there is mutual benefit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will travel to Berlin on Monday, December 15, to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders, particularly UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to advance discussions on peace proposals under US auspices, according to Bloomberg. According to Zelensky, the US has discussed turning this territory into a "demilitarized zone" under special administration. However, it remains questionable whether these regions will be recognized along with Crimea, which is effectively occupied by Russia. The publication notes that Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no signs of changing his military objectives. Therefore, even if the US and Ukraine reach an agreement, it is not yet known whether Moscow will agree to a peace treaty. Other contentious points in a peace treaty include providing Ukraine with reliable security guarantees, preventing Russia from attacking again, and the fate of approximately $200 billion in frozen assets. The publication states that Moscow demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the eastern territories of Donbas, which include the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, and which Russian forces have been unable to capture. The article notes that Ukrainian territories are at the center of current discussions between Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow. Representatives of these countries are working on a 20-point plan. The information about the Ukrainian president's visit on Friday was released by Merz's chief spokesperson, Stefan Cornelius.