United News of Bangladesh

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Berlin on Wednesday for talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European leaders and U.S. officials ahead of the Trump-Putin summit later this week, the German government said. Merz has convened a series of virtual meetings aimed at ensuring European and Ukrainian voices are heard before the summit, from which they have been excluded. Zelenskyy will first meet European leaders, followed by a virtual call with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. EU urges Trump to protect European security in upcoming talks with Putin A separate call with members of the “coalition of the willing” — nations ready to help enforce any future Moscow-Kyiv peace deal — will take place last. Merz pledged to assist Ukraine in developing its own long-range missile systems without Western-imposed restrictions, as Kyiv continues to resist Russia’s invasion. Zelenskyy last visited Berlin in May. Trump has described Friday’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as “a feel-out” session to assess Moscow’s intentions. However, he has unsettled European allies by suggesting Ukraine may have to cede some Russian-held territory and by raising the possibility of land swaps. Zelenskyy rejects Putin’s demand for Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donetsk as ceasefire condition Zelenskyy on Tuesday rejected a proposal for Ukraine to withdraw from the remaining 30% of Donetsk region it still controls, calling it unconstitutional and a potential prelude to further Russian aggression. He criticised U.S.-led diplomacy for failing to address key Ukrainian demands, including security guarantees and European participation in talks. Since returning to office, Trump has ruled out Ukraine’s NATO membership, pressed NATO allies on defence spending, and raised EU import tariffs to 15%. Senior EU officials believe he may settle for a ceasefire, focusing instead on broader U.S.-Russia relations.