While European leaders declared that they would defend Ukraine militarily against Russia in the future if necessary, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed satisfaction with the progress made in talks with the United States on security guarantees. However, central points of contention remain unresolved - especially the question of the territories occupied by Russia.

After two days of negotiations in Berlin, Zelensky praised the results of talks with US representatives. At the same time, several European leaders assured Ukraine of their support in the event of a renewed Russian attack. The aim is to break the cycle of violence and escalation that has been going on for over ten years.

Despite these rapprochements, there are still considerable uncertainties – both regarding Ukraine's future territorial order and the practical implementation of concrete security guarantees, especially those involving US participation.

The European participants also assessed the talks positively and held out the prospect of a package of measures that includes military aid, intelligence cooperation, logistical support and economic and diplomatic steps.

In a joint statement published on Monday evening, the participating states presented their most detailed proposal to date for 

security commitments to Ukraine. Among other things, long-term, substantial support is provided for the Ukrainian armed forces, which are to have a strength of around 800,000 soldiers even in peacetime. This is to be complemented by a European-led multinational force on Ukrainian soil, building on the existing "coalition of the willing" led by France and Britain.

In addition, a US-led mechanism for monitoring and controlling a possible ceasefire is envisaged. In addition, a legally binding obligation to take measures to restore peace in the event of a renewed armed attack is to take effect – with each country deciding for itself how to provide support.

Other commitments concern investments in the reconstruction of Ukraine, the permanent safeguarding of frozen assets of the Russian Central Bank and the prospect of Ukraine's accession to the EU.

The declaration was signed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders, among others. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa also joined in. The Declaration is open to other states for support.

The signatories stressed that no agreement is final until all points have been clarified. The goal remains a solution that enables a permanent end to the fighting.

The Berlin talks were also attended by US Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who had previously met Zelensky. A second round of talks at European level followed on Monday.

Zelensky spoke of constructive cooperation, but made it clear that certain contents in previous drafts had not been acceptable. These would have to be deleted from future documents. Dignity plays a central role in the negotiations.

Zelensky described the territorial question as the most difficult point. Russia continues to try to claim as large parts of Ukrainian territory as possible. He expects that the U.S. will make proposals as a mediator to at least achieve rapprochement.

The aim is to obtain clear answers on security guarantees, territorial issues and financial support for reconstruction.

In the joint statement, the European leaders made it clear that decisions on territorial issues should be made by the Ukrainian people alone – and only if reliable security guarantees are in place. If Ukraine decides to hold a referendum, they want to support this process.

At the same time, they reiterated that international borders must not be changed by force. Russia has been urged to show readiness for a lasting peace, agree to a ceasefire, and seriously consider the peace framework proposed by the U.S. – steps that President Vladimir Putin has so far rejected.

It is striking that the declaration does not name a concrete timetable for Ukraine's accession to the EU. Earlier speculation about a possible accession date in early 2027 was not included. The EU Commission again stressed that the accession process remains performance-based.

In addition, the European states stated that any agreement must take into account the long-term security and cohesion of the Euro-Atlantic area as well as NATO's role as a deterrent factor. Corresponding issues would be further coordinated within the EU and NATO.

Negotiators said that the willingness of the US to participate in the security guarantees was expressly welcomed – especially because of its military capabilities and reconnaissance capacities, which Europe does not have in this form.

The United States is to act as the backbone of security policy and, above all, provide reconnaissance and air support. However, the operational center remains the Ukrainian army, supplemented by the multinational force of the "coalition of the willing". The planned measures are to cover all relevant areas – from land, sea and air operations to cyber and space capabilities.

The diplomatic progress in Berlin comes a few days before a crucial EU summit in Brussels. There, a decision is to be made on the financing of the Ukrainian state and military budget for 2026 and 2027, amounting to around 90 billion euros.

The core of the proposal is an interest-free loan, secured by frozen assets of the Russian central bank. However, this approach is facing resistance, especially from Belgium, which manages a large part of the funds, as well as from several other EU countries.

Chancellor Merz showed understanding for the reservations, but did not share them. He expressed the hope that Belgium would ultimately make a decision together with its partners. Support for Ukraine is politically and strategically necessary.









Author: MF editorial team
Source: EURONEWS