Donald Trump’s special envoy will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Berlin this weekend as Washington presses for a plan to end the war, while Russia continues attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and reiterates conditions for a ceasefire.
Ukraine War Talks to Take Place in Berlin
Germany will host U.S. and Ukrainian delegations for talks on a ceasefire, preceding a summit involving European leaders and Zelenskyy in Berlin on Monday. Zelenskyy confirmed he will meet with Steve Witkoff, an envoy for Donald Trump, alongside European partners to discuss “the foundation of peace – a political agreement to end the war.”
Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov stated Friday that Moscow will only consider a ceasefire after Ukrainian forces withdraw from parts of the Donetsk region they currently control. Ushakov also indicated that Russian police and national guard troops would remain in parts of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas even if a demilitarized zone is established.
Russian Attacks Target Ukrainian Infrastructure
Russia attacked five Ukrainian regions overnight, targeting energy and port infrastructure, according to Zelenskyy. The attacks involved over 450 drones and 30 missiles, leaving more than a million people without electricity as temperatures hover around freezing.
An attack on Odesa caused grain silos at the coastal city’s port to catch fire, Ukrainian deputy prime minister Oleksiy Kuleba said. Two people were wounded in attacks in the wider region, according to regional head Oleh Kiper.
Border Security and Security Concerns
Germany will send soldiers to Poland to help fortify its eastern border amid growing concerns about the threat from Russia. Poland announced plans last year to bolster its border with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, and the German soldiers will focus on “engineering activities.”
Approximately 480 people were evacuated from a train traveling between Przemysl, Poland, and Kyiv after police received a threat. Polish authorities are on high alert following previous attempts to disrupt trains on the line linking Warsaw to the Ukrainian border, with evidence suggesting Russian involvement.
Naval Incident and Prisoner Exchange
Ukraine’s navy accused Russia of deliberately attacking a civilian Turkish vessel, the ‘VIVA’, carrying sunflower oil to Egypt with a drone. None of the 11 crew members were injured, and the ship continued its journey.
Ukraine received 114 prisoners released by Belarus on Saturday. The released captives will receive medical attention, and Belarusian citizens among them will be transported to Poland or Lithuania if they wish.
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