Berlin Peace Talks: Ukraine Seeks Guarantees Amid Russian Demands

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and US envoys are in Berlin for peace talks on the war in Ukraine.
• Zelenskyy seeks firm, legally binding security guarantees from the US and European allies, similar to NATO members.
• Russia demands Ukraine withdraw from Donetsk and abandon its NATO bid, with Russian forces remaining in parts of Donbas.
• Major obstacles include control of the Donetsk region and differing views on security assurances.
• German Chancellor Merz warned that Putin aims to fundamentally change European borders and restore the old Soviet Union.

Why It Matters: Ongoing Ukraine peace talks reveal deep divides, jeopardizing European security.