International efforts to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine gained momentum this week with a new European proposal for a multinational force to secure Ukrainian airspace, though Russia has already rejected key tenets of the plan including territorial concessions and a NATO presence. Following a meeting in Berlin on December 15th, leaders are cautiously optimistic, with the United States signaling a willingness to offer Ukraine security guarantees akin to Article Five of the NATO treaty. However, notable hurdles remain, particularly regarding the status of Ukrainian territory, as negotiations continue to navigate a path toward a lasting resolution.
Russland
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Russia has ruled out territorial concessions and rejected the possibility of NATO troops stationed in Ukraine, even as international discussions continue to seek a path toward peace. The firm stance from Moscow comes after European leaders proposed a new framework for securing a potential ceasefire.
Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism about potential security guarantees from the United States. “We have now heard from the American side that they are ready to provide security guarantees that correspond to Article Five of the NATO treaty,” he said. However, Zelenskyy acknowledged significant disagreements remain with Washington regarding the question of permanent territorial losses for Ukraine. “There are still different positions on the territories,” he conceded. This development underscores the complexities of negotiating a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Zelenskyy again called for Russia to be held accountable for the damage caused by the war, with a commission set to be established in The Hague to prepare compensation claims from individuals, organizations, and public institutions.
Vereinigte Staaten
The United States, represented by officials Witkoff and Kushner at the Berlin conference, praised the European proposals. President Trump, who joined the discussions via telephone, said Europeans had demonstrated a “serious interest in peace,” adding, “We are now closer than ever to a solution.”
Trump stated he had spoken with European leaders, including Chancellor Merz, as well as with President Zelenskyy. “It seems to be going well,” he said, while also cautioning, “We’ve been saying that for a long time, and it’s a difficult matter.” Trump noted he has previously spoken with Russia about resolving the conflict.
Deutschland
German Defense Minister Pistorius welcomed the European initiative, stating that European nations had acknowledged their responsibility. He added that further developments would depend on the reactions from Moscow and Washington, and that the plan developed was “fundamentally” sound.
Chancellor Merz previously suggested a Christmas ceasefire with Russia during a joint press conference with Zelenskyy, arguing it could serve as a starting point for constructive talks toward a lasting peace. Kremlin spokesman Peskov quickly rejected the proposal, stating a ceasefire without a final agreement could give Ukraine a military advantage.
Ischinger, the interim chairman of the Munich Security Conference, said in an interview with MDR radio that, at least for the moment, a split between Europeans and Americans has been overcome by Russia. He also criticized the fact that Russian President Putin was not at the negotiating table.
Weitere europäische Reaktionen
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, following the meeting, that he had heard from American negotiators for the first time that the U.S. was willing to commit to Ukraine’s security in a way that would leave Russia with no doubt that the American response would be military in nature should they attack Ukraine again.
Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson also said he saw clear progress regarding security guarantees, while the acting Dutch Prime Minister Schoof described them as a good basis for potential peace talks. Finnish Prime Minister Orpo announced proposals from EU states on NATO’s eastern flank to strengthen their own defense.
This news was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on December 16, 2025.
