Zelenskyy's Diplomatic Dilemma: Navigating Peace and Pressure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives in Berlin open to forgo NATO membership in exchange for Western security but firmly rejects ceding any Ukrainian territory to Russia. Talks with US envoys and European leaders focus on diplomatic solutions while facing Russia's territorial demands and ongoing conflict-related challenges.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed potential willingness to abandon his nation's NATO membership ambitions in favor of Western security guarantees, as he arrived in Berlin on Sunday for negotiations with US officials.

Zelenskyy's visit includes talks with President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The discussions revolve around finding a diplomatic end to the ongoing conflict with Russia, although Zelenskyy remains opposed to ceding any portion of the Donetsk region to Russian control.

Amid navigating demands from both sides, Zelenskyy's priorities include legally binding security assurances from the West. Meanwhile, obstacles persist, with Russia unwilling to retreat from occupied territories, underscoring the complexity of reaching a peaceful resolution.

(With inputs from agencies.)