BERLIN, Dec 13 (Reuters) - Germany will host U.S. and Ukrainian delegations over the ‌weekend ​for talks on a ceasefire in Ukraine, before ‌a summit with European leaders and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Berlin on Monday, a German official said.

The issue of ceding territory remains a major sticking point in negotiations, and Vladimir Putin last week reiterated his goal to take eastern Ukraine “by force” unless his demands are met.

US officials are headed to Berlin for a high-stakes sit-down Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders – as Washington presses for an elusive peace deal to end the