Berlin talks: Zelensky confirms progress on security guarantees for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the latest round of talks hosted by the German capital, Berlin, which brought him together with high-level American envoys, had led to tangible results and real progress on the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine , despite describing the negotiations as "not easy" and punctuated by fundamental points of contention.
Behind the scenes of negotiations with the American side
For the second day in a row, Zelenskyy engaged in in-depth discussions with Steve Wittkopf, US President Donald Trump's special envoy, and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law. These talks focused on drafting a comprehensive agreement aimed at ending the ongoing war, based on proposals put forward by Washington. Despite the positive developments regarding security arrangements, the Ukrainian president acknowledged a significant gap in positions on the issue of territorial integrity, noting that US pressure to make territorial concessions continues to be met with firm rejection from the leadership in Kyiv, which remains committed to its sovereignty.
Context of the conflict and historical background
These intensified diplomatic efforts come at a highly sensitive juncture in the conflict that erupted with Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2012. Since then, the war has escalated into the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II, leaving widespread devastation and profound geopolitical shifts. For years, Ukraine has sought full NATO membership to guarantee its security, but international power dynamics and the risk of direct escalation with Russia have led Western allies to explore alternatives that offer effective security guarantees without immediate NATO membership.
European force proposal and alternative guarantees
In a significant development reflecting a shift in European strategy, leaders of major European countries and the European Union proposed in a joint statement the deployment of a multinational force, led by Europeans, inside Ukraine. According to the proposal, this force could comprise up to 800,000 troops from volunteer nations, operating under US supervision to monitor the ceasefire. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism about this approach, emphasizing that any de-escalation must be backed by substantial legal and material guarantees from the United States and Europe to ensure that the aggression does not resume.
The strategic importance of the new guarantees
The security guarantees currently under consideration are of paramount strategic importance. US officials indicate they will be "very strong," similar to Article 5 of the NATO treaty (which stipulates collective defense), but without granting Kyiv formal membership. This model aims to deter future attacks and provide a protective umbrella for Ukraine, allowing it to rebuild and stabilize. However, officials have clarified that these guarantees are tied to the current situation and will not be open-ended, placing time pressure on all parties to reach a final agreement.
Russia's position and the future of the region
On the other hand, Moscow remains firm in its demands. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia is awaiting clarification on the concept discussed in Berlin, insisting that Ukraine cede territory and halt its NATO accession efforts. Observers assert that the success of the Berlin talks could shape the new security order in Europe for decades to come, with the German Chancellor stating that "the fate of Ukraine is the fate of all of Europe," and that lasting peace requires a free and self-defending Ukraine.
