Ukraine and US peace talks continued in Berlin for a second day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, met US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for five hours on Sunday. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also attended. "A lot of progress was made," the US said. Talks resumed Monday morning. Before the meeting, Zelensky said he would give up hopes to join Nato. Instead, he wants strong security guarantees similar to Nato’s Article 5, which promises mutual protection. "And this is already a compromise on our part," he said. Witkoff met Putin multiple times in Moscow but met Zelensky for the first time in Berlin. Nato's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, was also present. More European leaders and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to join talks Monday evening. The discussions focus on a 20-point peace plan Ukraine shared with the US last week. Ukraine sees this plan as a foundation for rebuilding and security guarantees. Russia demands Ukraine drop Nato ambitions, calling it a "red line." The Kremlin said this issue "requires special discussion." The US also does not want Ukraine in Nato. Kyiv fears a deal without strong guarantees won't stop Russia's future attacks. Zelensky said he might freeze fighting along the current front in the Donbas region but will not withdraw troops unless Russia also pulls back. He called this "extremely sensitive and heated." Negotiators will present any agreement to Moscow. Zelensky noted the US delegation "present the Russian side’s perspective," sharing Russia’s signals and demands. The Kremlin expects the US to provide the "concept" discussed. These talks come during Ukraine’s fourth war winter with blackouts caused by Russian strikes. Over one million homes lost power over the weekend. Meanwhile, EU countries debate sending €90 billion of frozen Russian funds to support Ukraine, but Belgium and others resist. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said talks are "increasingly difficult" but work continues.