Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacts during a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.
The United States has agreed to offer security guarantees to Ukraine as part of ongoing peace talks to end Russia’s nearly four-year war. The breakthrough followed high-level discussions in Berlin involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. envoys, and European leaders. More negotiations are expected this weekend in the United States.
Talks Narrow Key Differences
U.S. officials said recent meetings helped narrow gaps on Ukraine’s core demand for security guarantees. Talks also addressed Russia’s insistence that Ukraine concede territory in the eastern Donbas region.
President Donald Trump joined negotiators and European leaders via phone during a dinner meeting. Officials said the momentum is stronger than at any previous stage. Trump later said European leaders strongly support ending the war.
Washington’s Offer Has a Timeline
U.S. officials stressed the security guarantees offer will not remain open indefinitely. The Trump administration plans to submit the agreement to the U.S. Senate for approval.
It remains unclear whether the deal would require full treaty ratification, which needs a two-thirds Senate majority.
Europe and US Pledge Joint Support
European leaders said they and the United States agreed to provide robust security guarantees for Ukraine. The plan includes a European-led multinational force, backed by U.S. support.
The force could operate inside Ukraine. Its tasks may include rebuilding Ukrainian forces, securing airspace, and supporting maritime safety. Leaders also suggested maintaining Ukraine’s military at a peacetime level of 800,000 troops.
Article 5-Style Protection Discussed
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were joined by NATO commander Gen. Alexus Grynkewich. Talks focused on an “Article 5-like” guarantee.
Article 5 is NATO’s collective defense clause. It treats an attack on one member as an attack on all.
U.S. officials said Washington shared a detailed document outlining the proposed guarantees. Ukrainian officials welcomed the added clarity, which earlier proposals lacked.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the agreement “far-reaching” and unprecedented in joint U.S.-European commitment.
Ukraine Seeks Binding Assurances
Security guarantees and territorial control remain the biggest obstacles. Zelenskyy insists any guarantees must be legally binding and backed by the U.S. Congress.
Russia has rejected the presence of NATO troops on Ukrainian soil. Moscow also demands Ukraine withdraw from parts of Donetsk still under Kyiv’s control.
Zelenskyy described the talks as “substantial” but acknowledged unresolved disputes over territory.
NATO Question Still Divisive
Ukraine has signaled willingness to drop its NATO membership bid if it receives NATO-level security guarantees. Still, Kyiv views NATO membership as the strongest long-term protection.
Russia has said it would accept Ukraine joining the European Union. It continues to oppose NATO expansion, calling it a threat to Russian security.
U.S. officials said roughly 90% of the U.S.-drafted peace plan now has consensus.
Kremlin Urges Caution on Timelines
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said predicting a peace deal timeline is unrealistic. He claimed President Vladimir Putin remains open to serious peace efforts.
Putin has denied any intention to attack European allies.
Drone Attacks Continue Despite Talks
Fighting continues alongside diplomacy. Ukraine said Russia launched 153 drones overnight, with most intercepted. Several still reached targets.
Russia claimed it downed more than 140 Ukrainian drones, including several over Moscow. Flights were briefly halted at two Moscow airports.
Damage assessments and casualty figures were not immediately available.
