Trump Dispatches Envoy to Berlin for Ukraine Talks with Zelenskyy and European Leaders

Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Berlin this weekend for crucial talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders about ending the war in Ukraine. This marks a significant diplomatic push by the new administration to broker peace after nearly three years of conflict.

Zelensky confirmed he'll meet with Trump's representatives and European partners during the Berlin meetings. "I will hold meetings with President Trump's representatives and with our European partners, as well as many other leaders to lay the groundwork for peace and reach a political agreement to end the war," he said.

The Ukrainian president sees this as a critical moment. "The current moment provides a great opportunity. We will work actively and constructively as much as we can in Berlin these days with everyone who can make the agreement successful," he added.

A senior White House official confirmed Witkoff's trip to Germany. This comes after his visit to Moscow in early December, showing the administration is engaging both sides in the conflict.

The timing matters. Trump has repeatedly promised to end the Ukraine war quickly, though he hasn't detailed his approach. European allies remain cautious about any deal that might favor Russia or undermine Ukraine's sovereignty. But with the war dragging into its third year and military aid costs mounting, there's growing pressure to find a diplomatic solution.

For markets, any real progress toward peace talks could impact energy prices, defense stocks, and European markets. The war has disrupted global supply chains and kept energy costs volatile across Europe.