Zelenskyy Demands Strong Security Guarantees in Berlin Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Berlin on December 14, 2025, to engage in critical discussions with American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner regarding the expectations of Ukraine from a potential peace agreement. Zelenskyy emphasized that any deal to conclude the ongoing conflict must include robust security guarantees, which he deemed non-negotiable.

In a post on the social media platform X, Zelenskyy stated, “The key thing is that all the steps we agree on with partners must work in practice to deliver guaranteed security. Only reliable guarantees can deliver peace.” The meeting in Berlin is part of a larger series of talks that will culminate in a summit on December 15, 2025, featuring leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Zelenskyy conveyed to journalists that Ukraine could consider accepting legally binding security guarantees as an alternative to NATO membership. He proposed that bilateral agreements with the United States, functioning similarly to NATO’s Article 5, alongside commitments from European nations, could effectively deter further Russian aggression.

Negotiations have centered around a 20-point peace plan facilitated by Washington. However, a significant obstacle remains concerning the status of eastern Ukrainian territories. Zelenskyy firmly rejected a U.S. suggestion for Ukraine to withdraw from the Donetsk region and establish a demilitarized economic zone. He questioned the viability of such a proposal, asking, “Who will manage this economic zone?”

The Ukrainian leader insisted that any guarantees must have legal backing from the U.S. Congress and called for Russian forces to retreat to the same extent as any Ukrainian withdrawal. Zelenskyy advocated for a ceasefire along current battle lines, stating, “Today a fair possible option is we stand where we stand.”

The discussions in Berlin reflect the urgency of establishing a concrete framework for peace in Ukraine, as both Ukrainian and American officials work to ensure that any agreements reached will provide lasting security and stability in the region. As negotiations continue, the focus remains on finding common ground that addresses the complex challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.