The Telegraph reports that significant progress was made in talks between US, Ukrainian, and European leaders in Berlin on a peace deal with Russia on December 14-15.
US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. US officials said 90% of the deal had been agreed upon, mainly on security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to NATO’s Article 5.
These guarantees include legally binding obligations for military, intelligence, logistical, economic, and diplomatic support in the event of a future attack.
Zelensky also made concessions, abandoning Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership and demanding stronger security guarantees instead. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the US proposal “a crucial step forward” and “really remarkable.” European leaders have welcomed the progress and pledged to contribute to the peacekeeping force.
Trump has said a deal is “closer than ever” and has spoken to Putin. US officials have said the offer “will not remain on the table forever.”
But differences remain over territorial issues, particularly in the Donbass region, where Russia is demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops. Zelensky has reiterated that he will not recognize the occupied territories as Russian. Diplomats doubt Putin will accept the security guarantees.
