Group 1 - Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in Berlin to meet with U.S. negotiators and European leaders to discuss the foundation for peace and a political agreement to end the war [1][2] - The U.S. is balancing demands from various parties, with President Trump expressing frustration over delays in negotiations [1][2] - German Chancellor Merz stated that the era of "American-led peace" is essentially over, emphasizing the need for Europe to protect its own interests [1] Group 2 - Russian officials have not seen the revised "peace plan" and express skepticism about constructive changes from Ukraine and Europe [2] - Zelensky indicated a compromise on security guarantees, accepting bilateral security assurances instead of direct NATO membership [2] - The U.S. proposed a "demilitarized" free economic zone in the Donbas region, which has raised concerns among European leaders about favoring Russia [3] Group 3 - The EU is considering using frozen Russian central bank assets to strengthen Ukraine's negotiating position, with assets valued at approximately €210 billion [4] - The EU's decision to indefinitely freeze Russian assets removes a significant barrier to using these funds for Ukraine's financial and military needs [4] - Russian officials condemned the EU's actions as illegal and a violation of international law, threatening to respond swiftly [4]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that Ukrainian President Zelensky has agreed to accept security guarantees from the US and Europe, similar to NATO's Article 5, due to opposition from the US and some European partners regarding Ukraine's NATO membership [1][2] - Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine's primary desire is to join NATO for true security guarantees, but the current situation necessitates a compromise with the US and European nations [1] - Discussions are set to take place between Ukrainian military representatives and US military officials to outline the specifics of the security guarantees [1] Group 2 - Zelensky criticized the US proposal for Ukraine to unilaterally withdraw its military from Eastern Ukraine and establish a "free economic zone" as "unfair," highlighting the need for a realistic approach to the peace process [2] - He stated that if Ukrainian forces withdraw, Russian forces should also retreat, indicating that this issue remains sensitive and complex [2] - Zelensky called for a realistic attitude towards the peace process, warning that if a peaceful resolution fails and the US stops pressuring Russia, it would be extremely challenging for Ukraine to navigate the situation [2]

Core Viewpoint - Ukraine's President Zelensky emphasizes that joining NATO is the true security guarantee for Ukraine, but due to opposition from the U.S. and some European partners, Ukraine agrees to accept security assurances similar to NATO's Article 5 collective defense clause from the U.S. and Europe [1][2]. Group 1 - Zelensky states that Ukraine's primary goal is NATO membership for real security guarantees, but the U.S. and some European partners do not support this direction [1]. - Ukraine has signed agreements with the U.S., European countries, and Canada for security assurances akin to NATO's Article 5 to prevent potential Russian aggression [1]. - Zelensky's negotiation team, including the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, will discuss the specifics of these security guarantees with the U.S. military [1]. Group 2 - Zelensky criticizes the U.S. proposal for Ukraine to unilaterally withdraw troops from Eastern Ukraine and establish a "free economic zone" as "unfair" [2]. - He argues that if Ukrainian forces withdraw, Russian troops should also pull back, highlighting the sensitivity and complexity of this issue [2]. - Zelensky stresses the need for a realistic approach to the peace process, indicating that failure of peace solutions and cessation of U.S. pressure on Russia would make the situation for Ukraine extremely challenging [3].

Group 1 - The core demand of Ukraine is to join NATO as a security guarantee, which has not received support from the US and some European countries [1] - Ukraine is currently negotiating a bilateral security guarantee system as an alternative to NATO membership [1] - President Zelensky emphasized that any compromises in the peace plan must be based on fairness, particularly for Ukraine [2][3] Group 2 - Key contentious points in negotiations include the status of the Donetsk region and control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant [4] - The US proposed a compromise where Ukraine would withdraw from parts of the Donetsk region, designating it as a "free economic zone," but Zelensky argues this is unfair without reciprocal actions from Russia [4][6] - Zelensky is open to holding elections during wartime if sufficient international security guarantees are provided [7] Group 3 - Zelensky stated that the peace plan must ensure that Russia cannot launch new military actions against Ukraine after signing [3] - The current lack of direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia means the US plays a crucial role in conveying messages and demands from Russia to Ukraine [3] - Zelensky reiterated that real pressure must be applied to Russia by the US and its partners to achieve substantial compromises [3]

Core Viewpoint - Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized that NATO membership is a core demand for Ukraine's security, but the U.S. and some European countries do not support this as a central element of the peace negotiations [1] Group 1: Peace Negotiations - Zelensky stated that the ongoing peace plan discussions will inevitably involve compromises, but any compromise must be based on fairness, especially for Ukraine [2] - The peace plan must be effective and not merely a formality, ensuring that Russia cannot launch new military actions against Ukraine after its signing [2] - Current negotiations lack direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, with the U.S. acting as an intermediary to convey messages and demands from Russia to Ukraine [2] Group 2: Territorial Issues - Key contentious points in negotiations include the status of the Donetsk region and control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant [3] - The U.S. proposed a compromise where Ukraine would withdraw from parts of the Donetsk region, designating it as a "free economic zone," but Zelensky argued that such a unilateral withdrawal would be unfair without reciprocal actions from Russia [3][5] - Zelensky expressed concerns about the management of the proposed "free economic zone," questioning the feasibility of the U.S. plan [5] Group 3: Political Developments - Zelensky indicated willingness to support holding elections during wartime, contingent on adequate security guarantees from international partners [6] - The primary goal remains to end the conflict from a position of strength for Ukraine [6] Group 4: Diplomatic Engagements - Zelensky is preparing for meetings with U.S. and European allies to discuss the foundations for peace, highlighting the significance of these negotiations for Ukraine [9] - A summit involving multiple European leaders and Zelensky is scheduled to take place in Berlin, focusing on ceasefire discussions [9]

Core Viewpoint - Ukraine has submitted a revised 20-point framework agreement for a "peace plan" to the United States, which is still under refinement and not finalized [1][3]. Group 1: Peace Plan Details - The initial "peace plan" was reduced from 28 points to 20 points, encompassing various aspects such as post-war economic recovery and security guarantees for Ukraine [3]. - Key disagreements between Ukraine and the U.S. include territorial issues related to the Donetsk region and the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, with discussions ongoing [3]. - The U.S. has proposed a "joint management" of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, but this proposal is still in the exploratory phase [3]. Group 2: Military and Territorial Issues - Ukraine is considering establishing a "demilitarized zone" in the Donbas region, which would require both Ukrainian and Russian forces to withdraw from the contact line, with external supervision ideally from the U.S. [4]. - Russian officials have stated that they have not yet seen the revised peace plan and expressed skepticism about its contents, indicating that a ceasefire is only possible if Ukrainian forces fully withdraw from the Donbas region [4][5]. Group 3: Diplomatic Engagements - The U.S. has engaged in extensive negotiations, spending over 30 hours in discussions with Ukraine and European countries in recent weeks [5]. - A meeting is scheduled in Paris involving U.S. officials and representatives from Ukraine, France, Germany, and the UK to discuss the proposed "peace plan" and modifications [5]. - There is pressure on Ukraine from the U.S. and Europe to reach a consensus on the "peace plan," amid rising tensions in U.S.-European relations [6].