MOSCOW — The Kremlin announced on Thursday, December 18, 2025, that Russia is preparing "relevant contacts" with the United States to discuss revisions to
a proposed Ukraine peace plan following recent negotiations involving Ukrainian, American, and European officials. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the past two weeks as "very busy," highlighting intensive talks in European capitals that built on key points from the August 15, 2025, Alaska summit between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, as well as subsequent discussions involving U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
Peskov, speaking to state-owned Radio Mayak, emphasized the need to assess changes influenced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his delegation. "Let's see what happened to this set of talking points, and see how Zelenskyy and the Ukrainians have influenced them. To understand how much it has changed, we are currently preparing the relevant contacts with the Americans," he said.
The statement follows two days of high-level talks in Berlin between U.S. envoys Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Zelenskyy, and European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. European participants issued a joint statement welcoming "significant progress" on Trump's peace efforts, committing to robust security guarantees for Ukraine, including a European-led multinational force, a U.S.-monitored ceasefire mechanism, and support for maintaining a large Ukrainian army of around 800,000 troops.
Trump described the negotiations as bringing parties "closer now than we have been ever" to a settlement ending the over-three-and-a-half-year war. A U.S. official briefed reporters that approximately 90% of issues had been resolved, with remaining challenges on territory and guarantees. Proposals include "Article 5-like" protections—potentially ratifiable by the U.S. Senate—treating post-ceasefire Ukraine similarly to NATO territory without formal membership.
Zelenskyy confirmed further talks with U.S. officials scheduled for Friday and Saturday in the U.S., with a Ukrainian delegation en route. He has rejected territorial concessions while expressing openness to compromises on NATO aspirations in exchange for strong assurances.
Peskov acknowledged ongoing U.S. dialogue but noted difficulties engaging Europe under current leadership, suggesting future possibilities with political shifts. The Berlin statement reaffirmed support for Ukraine's sovereignty and EU accession, stating territorial decisions rest with Ukraine once guarantees are in place.
The Alaska summit in August laid foundational "key points," followed by Witkoff's multiple Moscow visits, including lengthy talks with Putin. Recent European-U.S. refinements aim to address Russian concerns while prioritizing Ukrainian security.
Analysts view Russia's preparation for contacts as cautious engagement, testing revisions against demands like recognition of annexed territories and limits on Ukraine's military. Putin has maintained that military goals—including "liberation" of claimed lands—will continue absent substantive diplomacy.
The joint European statement, signed by leaders from Germany, France, the UK, and others, plus EU officials, pledges legally binding commitments to respond to future aggression through military, intelligence, and economic means. It supports reconstruction funding, potentially from frozen Russian assets under discussion at an upcoming Brussels summit.
As winter advances, battlefield stalemates persist, with Russia making incremental gains in Donbas. Ukraine's resilience, bolstered by Western aid, complicates concessions.
Trump's optimism contrasts with European caution, with Merz rating EU asset-use agreement chances at "fifty-fifty." Zelenskyy insists on full territorial integrity, including Crimea.
The evolving plan signals momentum toward a framework, but core disputes—territory, NATO, and enforcement—remain unresolved. Potential U.S.-Russia meetings, possibly in Miami involving envoys like Kirill Dmitriev, could clarify positions.
This diplomatic flurry reflects Trump's push for a swift resolution, balancing pressures from allies and adversaries in a conflict with profound global implications.
