U.S. Offers NATO-Style Security Guarantees to Ukraine as Peace Talks Show Progress
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
BERLIN / WASHINGTON, Dec 15 (GeokHub) The United States has offered to provide NATO-style security guarantees to Ukraine as U.S. and European negotiators reported progress on Monday in talks aimed at ending the war with Russia, though sharp disagreements remain over territorial concessions.
The offer was made during high-level meetings in Berlin between U.S. envoys and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, according to U.S. officials familiar with the discussions. They described the proposal as unprecedented, while cautioning that it would not remain on the table indefinitely.
European leaders said the talks had injected cautious optimism into diplomatic efforts to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. However, Russia has not yet agreed to any of the proposals discussed in Berlin and has given no indication it is ready to shift its position.
U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House, said negotiations were closer than ever to a possible breakthrough after multiple conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “We’re trying to get it done,” Trump said, adding that significant progress had been made.
Despite the momentum, territorial issues remain the biggest obstacle. U.S. officials are pressing Ukraine to consider withdrawing forces from parts of the eastern Donetsk region — a potential concession that could provoke strong domestic backlash in Ukraine.
Calling territorial compromises “painful,” Zelenskiy acknowledged that major differences remain but said he believed U.S. mediators could help bridge the gap. He stressed that Ukraine needs firm security guarantees, including monitoring mechanisms for any ceasefire, before making decisions related to front-line positions.
Zelenskiy rejected claims that Washington had demanded concessions, saying discussions about territory reflected Russian demands rather than U.S. pressure.
U.S. officials said negotiators had reached agreement on roughly 90% of the issues, with several possible solutions proposed to address remaining disputes. Ukraine has repeatedly stated it will not cede territory, noting that Russia currently controls nearly 20% of Ukrainian land following its 2022 invasion.
A European official briefed on the talks said the atmosphere was constructive but acknowledged that positions on territorial questions remain far apart.
Ukraine Under Growing Pressure
Zelenskiy has been meeting in Berlin with senior U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump adviser Jared Kushner, and European leaders. Kyiv faces increasing pressure from Washington to show flexibility in negotiations with Moscow.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who hosted the talks, said the possibility of a ceasefire now appeared conceivable for the first time since the war began.
U.S. officials said the proposed security framework would resemble Article 5 of the NATO treaty, under which member states agree to defend one another if attacked. One official said Moscow appeared open to Ukraine joining the European Union, while Trump wants to prevent further Russian expansion westward.
Security guarantees — including oversight and enforcement mechanisms — were described as the central focus of the talks. Working groups are expected to continue discussions in the United States later this week.
European leaders, including those from Germany, France and Britain, issued a joint statement citing strong alignment with Washington. Their goals include continued support for Ukraine’s armed forces, a European-led peacekeeping mission, and commitments to respond forcefully if Ukraine were attacked again, alongside backing for Ukraine’s EU membership bid.
Domestic Resistance to Concessions
Ukraine has indicated it could abandon its ambition to join NATO in exchange for Western security guarantees. However, public opinion at home remains firmly opposed to major concessions.
A new poll shows three-quarters of Ukrainians reject significant territorial compromises, even as many accept the possibility of freezing the front lines under a ceasefire. The findings highlight the political risks Zelenskiy faces as negotiations intensify.
The talks come at the start of a pivotal week for Europe, with an upcoming EU summit expected to address financial support for Ukraine using frozen Russian assets — decisions that could shape the next phase of the conflict.
