US and Ukrainian delegations have made significant progress in talks regarding a peace plan, with US envoy Steve Witkoff confirming extensive discussions on a 20-point proposal and an economic agenda. "Representatives engaged in extensive discussions regarding the 20-point peace plan, as well as the economic agenda and various other issues. Significant progress was made, and they are set to reconvene tomorrow morning", Witkoff wrote on social media on 14/12.

The discussions took place in Berlin, Germany, with a US delegation including envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump. The Ukrainian side was led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, accompanied by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov and Chief of General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Andrey Gnatov. President Zelensky is expected to continue discussions with the US delegation in Ukraine on 15/12.

US envoy Steve Witkoff (left) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) shake hands in Berlin, Germany, on 14/12. *Photo: AFP*

Despite the progress, several issues related to Ukraine's peace agreement remain unresolved. These include the possibility of Kyiv making territorial concessions, future security guarantees for Ukraine, and whether Moscow will agree to proposals put forth by Europe and the US.

Before traveling to Germany, President Zelensky stated his readiness to engage in dialogue to end the conflict. He emphasized that the most crucial aspect of any peace plan must be "as fair as possible" to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov expressed skepticism about the negotiations. He stated that "the contributions of Ukraine and Europe to these documents are unlikely to be constructive". The Kremlin official noted that Russia has not yet reviewed the latest documents, but would strongly object to any related amendments. According to Ushakov, Moscow has clearly articulated its position, and Washington appears to understand this well.

By Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, TASS)