Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in high-level talks in Berlin from 14-15 December, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, U.S. envoys, and European leaders, focusing on security guarantees and the framework for a potential peace deal with Russia.
The discussions brought together Ukraine’s Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Merz, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner (son‑in‑law of U.S. President Donald Trump), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte, among others. While a broader group of European leaders was reported to be involved in related meetings, the core negotiations focused on security and peace frameworks.
A central focus of the talks was security guarantees for Ukraine that Western partners say could help deter future aggression.
U.S. and European officials outlined a package of measures described as “Article 5‑like” referencing NATO’s mutual defence principle that would provide legally binding commitments to protect Ukraine against renewed attacks.
These guarantees would combine military support, diplomatic backing, and monitoring mechanisms under allied coordination.
U.S. negotiators said Washington is prepared to offer these guarantees and that they would require approval by the U.S. Senate to become legally binding.
European leaders echoed support for robust protection as part of any enduring peace framework.
European leaders formally backed the concept of a European‑led multinational force operating within Ukraine under the proposed security framework. Such a force would assist with rebuilding Ukraine’s defence capabilities, help secure airspace and maritime domains, and contribute to long‑term deterrence against future aggression. The inclusion of this proposal reflects coordinated U.S.–European support for a stronger post‑war security architecture.
Economic support and reconstruction discussions
Officials also discussed economic support measures for Ukraine, including long‑term reconstruction assistance and the possibility of leveraging frozen Russian assets.
While leaders advocated for robust financial aid to support Ukraine’s recovery and resilience, detailed agreements on asset use remain under negotiation and face political and legal complexities within the European Union.
Territorial disputes still unresolved
Despite progress on security ideas, the question of territorial control remains one of the most contentious issues. Ukrainian negotiators have resisted pressure to concede territory, particularly in eastern regions held by Moscow’s forces, and have reiterated that decisions over sovereignty must ultimately be made by the Ukrainian people under secure guarantees.
Russian demands concerning territory continue to complicate efforts to reach a comprehensive peace deal.
U.S.–European coordination and outlook
President Donald Trump described the outcome of the Berlin talks as constructive, saying parties were “closer now than ever” to a peace agreement, but acknowledged that significant challenges remain. Both U.S. and European leaders stressed that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed,” indicating that further negotiations are required to refine security guarantees, address territorial disputes and finalise mechanisms for ceasefire monitoring and implementation.
Next steps
Negotiators will continue discussions with a focus on clarifying the specifics of the proposed security guarantees, the structure and role of a multinational force, and the political and legal arrangements for reconstruction support.
Russia, which was not a formal participant in the Berlin negotiations, is expected to be briefed on the proposals by the U.S. side, but has yet to commit to a comprehensive peace framework.
The Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced on 16 February that the Honourable Janice Charette has been appointed as the next Chief Trade Negotiator to...
Cuba’s fuel crisis has turned into a waste crisis, with garbage piling up on most street corners in Havana as many collection trucks lack enough pet...
Jordan’s King Abdullah II warned on Monday that what he described as “illegal” Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank risk undermining de-es...
Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor renowned for his steely intensity and commanding performances in films including The Godfather and Apocalypse N...
Day 10 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics delivered high-stakes semifinals, dramatic finishes and classic podium moments across Milan and the ...
Jordan’s King Abdullah II warned on Monday that what he described as “illegal” Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank risk undermining de-escalation efforts and inflaming regional tensions.
The mother and widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny marked the second anniversary of his death on Monday, as European allies released an assessment saying he was poisoned, adding that the Russian state had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy the lethal toxin.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has moved swiftly to consolidate his authority following the dismissal of his long-time ally Kamchybek Tashiev, head of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS).
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy held military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (16 February), state-linked media reported. The drill took place a day before renewed nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Geneva.
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said China has the power to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, arguing that Beijing is enabling Moscow’s military campaign.
Austria’s Janine Flock won the gold medal in the women’s skeleton event at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Saturday.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani said the United States could evaluate its own interests separately from those of Israel in ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (15 February) called it “troubling” a report by five European allies blaming Russia for killing late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny using a toxin from poison dart frogs.
Israel’s National Guard is preparing to deploy drones capable of firing tear gas at Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as part of security preparations ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Israeli Channel 12 reported on Saturday.
The Pentagon has threatened to designate artificial intelligence firm Anthropic as a “supply chain risk” amid a dispute over the military use of its Claude AI model, according to a report published Monday.
Representatives of Ukraine, Russia and the United States are set to meet in Geneva for a third round of trilateral negotiations aimed at ending the nearly four-year war, even as both sides intensify military pressure on the ground.
The Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced on 16 February that the Honourable Janice Charette has been appointed as the next Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States.
Cuba’s fuel crisis has turned into a waste crisis, with garbage piling up on most street corners in Havana as many collection trucks lack enough petrol to operate.
Day 10 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics delivered high-stakes semifinals, dramatic finishes and classic podium moments across Milan and the Italian Alps. Photographers captured split seconds of symmetry before puck drops, explosive turns on the ice and triumphant celebrations.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment