US and Ukraine Reach Breakthrough on Security Guarantees During Berlin Talks

The United States and Ukraine have reached agreements on security guarantees following high-level negotiations in Berlin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced during a press conference. The talks are widely seen as a critical step toward a possible political settlement of the conflict.

US Proposals Described as 'Major Step Forward'

According to Merz, the US side demonstrated readiness to provide substantial legal and material guarantees to Ukraine. He described the proposals put forward in Berlin as both concrete and significant.

“What the United States has proposed here in Berlin, in terms of legal and material guarantees, is truly remarkable. This is a very important step forward, and I wholeheartedly welcome it,” Merz said.

The German chancellor emphasized that any potential territorial concessions would remain Ukraine’s sovereign decision, underscoring that Kyiv retains full authority over such matters.

Zelensky: Berlin Talks Could Be Decisive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also highlighted the importance of the Berlin meetings. Speaking via the Telegram channel Insider.ua, he stated that contacts between the Ukrainian delegation and representatives of the US president could prove decisive.

According to a source cited by the outlet, US President Donald Trump believes he may be able to persuade Russia to agree to security guarantees for Ukraine comparable to Article 5 of the NATO Charter, though such guarantees would not be permanent.

“These days could decide a great deal and bring us closer to peace,” the source said.

 'For now, our positions differ': Zelensky on territorial issue

“I think my colleagues have heard my personal position. Everyone is ready to work productively to find a solution that respects Ukraine and brings a real end to the war closer,” he said.

A senior US official, speaking after talks between the Ukrainian and American delegations in Berlin, said that 90 percent of the issues between Russia and Ukraine have been agreed upon. On the territorial question, Zelensky needs to make a decision, and once that happens, they are ready to move toward Russia.

“We believe the Russians will accept guarantees in a final agreement,” a US representative said in an interview with Reuters.

He also stated that the final decision on territory will depend on Ukraine. He noted that Trump is focused on stopping the Russian advance westward.

Claims of Major Progress on Core Issues

The same source asserted that approximately 90 percent of key issues between Russia and Ukraine have already been resolved during the negotiation process. While no official confirmation of this figure has been provided, multiple officials described the talks as constructive.

On December 14 and 15, delegations from Ukraine and the United States held extended meetings in Berlin. The head of Ukraine’s negotiating team, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, expressed hope that agreements with Washington could be reached in the near future.

EU Side Largely Excluded Due to Technical Issues

At the same time, European Union foreign ministers were unable to meaningfully engage with the US delegation. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said discussions were disrupted by a technical failure.

“I have little to report from the conversation, because I do not know whether it was a cyberattack, but the connection clearly malfunctioned, and we did not really have a proper opportunity for discussion,” Kallas explained.

Trump Satisfied With Outcome of Berlin Talks

US President Donald Trump expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the Berlin negotiations, according to Sky News. A US official told the outlet that Trump viewed the talks as positive, noting that while additional issues remain, the overall trajectory is encouraging.

The second round of talks between President Zelensky, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner concluded on December 15 after approximately two hours.

Following the meeting, Witkoff stated that the parties had achieved “significant progress,” reinforcing expectations that further diplomatic movement may follow in the coming days.