European and US negotiators agree on a six-point Ukraine security framework in Berlin, offering NATO-style guarantees as territorial talks over Donbas remain stalled.
Key Highlights
- European and US negotiators agreed on a six-point Ukraine security framework in Berlin
- The plan offers NATO-style guarantees backed by a European-led force and US monitoring
- Ukraine would maintain an 800,000-strong peacetime army under Western support
- Territorial disputes over Donbas and Crimea remain unresolved
- Russia has rejected the framework, calling it Western-imposed
European and US negotiators meeting in Berlin have agreed on the outlines of a sweeping Ukraine security framework, marking the most significant diplomatic step toward a ceasefire since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. While the talks delivered strong progress on long-term security guarantees for Kyiv, they remain deadlocked over territorial concessions in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region.
The emerging Ukraine security framework would grant Kyiv NATO-style defence assurances without immediate membership. These guarantees would be backed by a European-led multinational force deployed on Ukrainian soil and a US-run monitoring and verification mission. However, the framework stops short of resolving how much territory Ukraine might be asked to relinquish to Russia as part of a broader peace deal.
Breakthrough in Berlin Talks
The breakthrough came after two days of intensive diplomacy involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and senior leaders or representatives from nearly a dozen European countries.
The talks concluded with a joint political statement outlining long-term defence commitments to Ukraine. The statement also includes a roadmap to convert these pledges into legally binding agreements once a comprehensive peace settlement is reached with Moscow.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed that Washington had, for the first time, privately signalled its readiness to respond militarily if Russia attacks Ukraine again after a ceasefire. He described the proposed guarantees as “article five-like,” referencing NATO’s mutual defence clause.
US officials briefed European counterparts that negotiators had resolved roughly 90% of the draft peace and security plan. However, they acknowledged that the most difficult issues—territory and enforcement—remain unresolved.
Six-Point Ukraine Security Framework Explained
At the core of the Ukraine security framework is a commitment to preserve Ukraine’s armed forces at around 800,000 troops in peacetime. This would make Ukraine’s military the largest and most combat-tested force in Europe.
Western allies would provide sustained financing, training, advanced equipment, and intelligence sharing. The goal is to ensure Ukraine’s forces remain battle-ready and interoperable with NATO militaries, building on G7 security declarations issued since 2023.
A central pillar is a European-led multinational force composed of volunteer contingents from participating states. Politically and logistically backed by the United States, this force would help rebuild military infrastructure, secure Ukrainian airspace, and improve safety in the Black Sea and other strategic waterways.
The framework also establishes a US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. This system would use advanced surveillance and intelligence tools to detect and deter any renewed Russian offensive at an early stage.
European governments would anchor their commitments in national law, pledging military, intelligence, and economic action if Russia violates a future ceasefire agreement. Long-term economic backing, reconstruction funding, and market access are also included, alongside support for Ukraine’s EU accession pathway.
Must Read: UK Unemployment Rises to 5.1% as Youth Joblessness Hits 10-Year High
Territorial Deadlock Over Donbas
Despite progress on security guarantees, territorial issues remain the main obstacle. American discussion papers have floated options such as a demilitarised zone or a demilitarised free economic zone in parts of the Donbas, supervised by international monitors.
Some proposals circulating in Washington and European capitals suggest Ukraine could accept Russia’s de facto control over Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk. In return, Kyiv would receive binding US and European security guarantees under the Ukraine security framework.
Ukrainian officials have firmly rejected sweeping land concessions. President Zelenskyy has reiterated that any territorial decision must be approved by Ukrainian citizens through a referendum and only after robust security arrangements are fully in place.
Russian Reaction and Next Steps
The Kremlin has dismissed the Berlin process, stating that Russia seeks peace only on its own terms. Russian officials oppose any settlement allowing a large, Western-backed Ukrainian army or a multinational force operating near Russian-held territory.
Western analysts caution that without sustained military aid and stronger economic pressure on Moscow, any agreement could freeze the conflict rather than resolve it. Diplomats say technical talks will continue in the coming weeks to refine the Ukraine security framework and reconcile security guarantees with Ukraine’s red lines on sovereignty.
Negotiators aim to present a more complete peace and security package early next year, though officials stress that no final agreement has yet been reached.