Ukraine's Leader Talks Peace in Germany

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Berlin for crucial peace discussions. He met with American envoy Steve Witkoff and top European leaders. This was the second day of intense talks to stop the war in Ukraine. The day before, Zelensky and Witkoff had a long meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Jared Kushner. They talked for five hours. Witkoff's team said they made good progress. More leaders joined on Monday. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte were there. Russia did not send anyone.The U. S. and Europe disagree on what Ukraine should give up. The U. S. wants Ukraine to let Russia keep some land. But Ukraine refuses. Most European leaders support Ukraine's stance. They don't want to reward Russia for invading Ukraine in 2022. Zelensky hinted at a possible deal. He said Ukraine would not push to join NATO for now. But he wants strong U. S. promises to protect Ukraine if Russia attacks again. Zelensky also met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Parliament Speaker Julia Klöckner. They discussed how Germany and Ukraine can work together economically.