The United States has offered Ukraine NATO-style security guarantees in talks aimed at ending Russia’s war, raising cautious optimism among European leaders that a ceasefire could be possible. The proposal was made during negotiations in Berlin between U.S. envoys, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European officials. However, no agreement has been reached on territorial concessions, which remain the most contentious issue in the talks.
The war, launched by Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has left nearly a fifth of Ukraine’s territory under Russian control. While Washington and its European allies say progress has been made, Moscow has yet to signal any willingness to compromise.
Progress in Berlin Talks
U.S. officials said negotiators have reached agreement on around 90% of the issues under discussion. President Donald Trump said he believed the talks were closer to success than ever before, following multiple conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
European leaders welcomed what they described as a more unified approach. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a ceasefire now appeared conceivable for the first time since the war began. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said U.S. negotiators had made clear that any renewed Russian attack on Ukraine would trigger a military response. Sweden’s prime minister also described the proposed security guarantees as clearer and more credible, while stressing that difficult questions remain.
Territorial Concessions Remain Unresolved
Despite progress on security arrangements, territorial issues continue to block a final deal. U.S. officials are pressing Ukraine to withdraw its forces from the eastern Donetsk region, a step that would represent a major concession and could spark strong domestic backlash.
Zelenskiy has repeatedly said territorial compromises are “painful” and reaffirmed that Ukraine will not recognise Donbas as Russian, either legally or in practice. He warned that if Moscow rejects the proposals, Kyiv will push Washington to impose tougher sanctions and provide more advanced weapons, including long-range arms.
A European source said Russia has not shifted from its territorial demands, despite what was described as a positive atmosphere in Berlin.
NATO-Style Security Guarantees
Under the proposal discussed, Ukraine would receive security guarantees similar to NATO’s Article 5, which commits allies to collective defence if one member is attacked. U.S. officials said such guarantees, including oversight and enforcement mechanisms, were the central focus of the talks and something Trump believes Russia could accept.
Zelenskiy said the draft document on security guarantees is detailed but still needs further work. Ukraine has indicated it is willing to drop its ambition to join NATO in exchange for firm Western security guarantees.
European leaders also backed commitments to continued military support for Ukraine, a European-led peacekeeping force, and support for Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union.
Russia’s Position
The Kremlin reiterated that preventing Ukraine from joining NATO remains a core demand in any peace settlement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow expects updates from the United States following the Berlin talks but gave no indication that Russia is prepared to compromise on key issues.
What’s Next
Working groups are expected to meet in the United States in the coming days to continue negotiations. While the offer of NATO-style guarantees marks a significant shift, the lack of movement on territorial questions means a ceasefire deal remains uncertain.
With information from Reuters.
