Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that "progress has been made on many issues" during two days of talks between Ukraine and the United States in Berlin and insisted that his country's position "was heard."
"There are some things that, in my opinion, are destructive and definitely won't help us. It's important that I don't see them in our new draft documents today," Zelenskyy said, speaking to the media alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The delegations were led by Zelenskyy and Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Having hosted the talks in Berlin, Merz said "perhaps for the first time" since the outbreak of Russia's full-scale invasion, reaching a ceasefire appears possible.
Zelenskyy was cautious about going into details about what exactly was discussed at the negotiating table but admitted that the issue of occupied territories was "a painful one."
"Of course, we have different positions with Russia on the territories," he said, adding that it is very important for Kyiv to know that the US delegation also understands Ukraine's position.
"It is important that we were heard. I have a deep understanding of the details of this war and it is very important that our colleagues from the United States heard all these details."
Zelenskyy's statement marks a change in tone with Ukraine's president sounding more upbeat about a possible settlement, but also about Washington's role in the diplomatic process.
Amid speculation regarding US demands on Ukraine, Zelenskyy said Washington is not demanding anything and is only leading diplomatic efforts as mediator.
"I do not believe that the United States of America has made any demands. I see the US as strategic partners," he insisted, adding that these are not US demands but Washington mediating talks and informing Kyiv of Russia's demands.
"We perceive this as the demands of the Russian Federation," he explained, saying that the US delegation will also "convey Ukraine's vision to the Russians."
Territories, frozen assets and security guarantees
Zelenskyy reiterated that there are two other crucial issues for Kyiv apart from the issue of territories occupied by Russia.
"We will do everything we can to find clear answers to questions about security guarantees, territories, and money as compensation for Ukraine to rebuild," he said.
"Since the United States of America is not offering us NATO membership, it is important that the US accepts 'Article 5-like' security guarantees. We are currently working to get all this written down."
US officials reportedly said that around 90% of the issues between Russia and Ukraine have been solved, describing the issue of territorial concessions as a remaining sticking point, according to US media outlets.
In particular, the US delegation claimed that they had developed "Article 5-like" security guarantees for Ukraine that had satisfied both Kyiv and the Europeans.
Article 5 refers to the collective defence clause of the NATO treaty whereby an attack on one member state is regarded as an attack on all.
According to US media, Washington's delegation refused to provide more details on what those security guarantees could be, but assured that "very strong safeguards" were discussed to prevent the war from restarting.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday said that "what the US has offered here in terms of material and legal guarantees is really significant."
US officials are reportedly expected to brief Russia on the outcome of the Berlin talks later on Monday.
