Zelensky’s Berlin Visit Sparks Massive Security Operations and City‑Wide Traffic Disruptions During US‑Ukraine Talks

by Chief Editor

Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj arrived in Berlin for a day‑long series of high‑level talks on the war in Ukraine, meeting German, U.S. and European leaders while the city implemented extensive security and traffic measures.

U.S.–Ukraine negotiations conclude

Diplomats from the United States and Ukraine wrapped up talks in Berlin about ending Russia’s invasion. The Ukrainian president’s office confirmed the discussions ended on Monday afternoon, but no details were released. Later that day Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Selenskyj were slated to speak at a German‑Ukrainian economic forum before holding a bilateral meeting at the Chancellery. An evening session was planned with several European heads of state and the leaders of the EU and NATO, with U.S. representatives also invited.

Security operation around the capital

Police deployed roughly 3 600 officers, including units from other states and the Federal Police, to protect the visit. Resources mentioned by Berlin Police spokesperson Jan Misselwitz included helicopters, patrol boats, drone‑defence systems and sniffer dogs. The police chief Barbara Slowik Meisel announced a “Gefährdungsstufe 0,” the highest threat level, and placed special units with snipers near hotels housing the guests. Police also patrolled the Spree on boats and used explosive‑search dogs.

Selenskyj’s engagements in Berlin

President Selenskyj was received at Schloss Bellevue by President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier, exchanged handshakes and a brief personal conversation, and signed the presidential guest book. He later visited the Bundestag, where Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU) hosted a meeting that reportedly touched on possible early elections in Ukraine. No formal speech was scheduled.

U.S. push on the Donbas

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff reiterated pressure on Kyiv to consider conceding the Donbas region, a stance Kyiv refused, noting that the area remains only partially occupied by Russian forces.

Transport disruptions across the city

Berlin’s transport authority announced city‑wide disruptions. Bus lines M41 and 200 returned to regular service after temporary suspensions; other lines (100, 187, 200) were rerouted around the Regierungsviertel. The Tiergarten tunnel’s exit at Kemperplatz was briefly closed, then reopened; the tunnel’s direction toward Kreuzberg faced a full closure for safety reasons. The U‑5 line stopped serving the Bundestag station, and sections of the A113 highway were expected to be blocked from noon onward. River traffic on the Spree‑Oder waterway and the Berlin‑Spandau canal was halted until late evening.
Did You Know? The “Gefährdungsstufe 0” applied for the visit is higher than the usual “Level 1” security status reserved for very senior foreign dignitaries.
Expert Insight: The concentration of diplomatic talks and the unprecedented security posture underscore Berlin’s role as a pivotal venue for negotiating the Ukraine peace process. While no concrete outcomes were disclosed, the presence of U.S., EU and NATO leaders signals a coordinated push for a diplomatic breakthrough, even as the United States continues to pressure Kyiv on contentious territorial issues such as the Donbas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main topics discussed during the Berlin meetings?

The talks focused on ending Russia’s military aggression, economic cooperation between Germany and Ukraine, and the broader European security framework, with additional U.S. pressure on Kyiv regarding the Donbas region.

Why was a large police presence required for the visit?

Berlin applied the highest security level (“Gefährdungsstufe 0”) because the visit involved the Ukrainian president, the German chancellor, and several EU, NATO and U.S. officials, prompting deployment of thousands of officers, specialized equipment and tactical units.

How did the visit affect public transportation in Berlin?

Multiple bus routes (M41, 200, 100, 187) were rerouted or temporarily suspended, the Tiergarten tunnel saw partial closures, the U‑5 line stopped serving the Bundestag station, and anticipated roadworks on the A113 added further disruptions.

How might these diplomatic efforts shape the next steps in the search for a cease‑fire in Ukraine?

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