On December 15, 2025, a group of European leaders issued a joint statement welcoming "significant progress" in initiatives spearheaded by US President Donald Trump to achieve a "just and lasting peace in Ukraine." The statement, released following high-level talks in Berlin, emphasized close coordination between teams representing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Trump, and European counterparts over recent weeks.
The signatories included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa. The document remains open for additional countries to join.
The leaders expressed appreciation for the "strong convergence" among the United States, Ukraine, and Europe, agreeing to collaborate with Trump and Zelenskyy toward a peace that upholds Ukrainian sovereignty and bolsters European security. They stressed that Ukraine's security, sovereignty, and prosperity are essential to broader Euro-Atlantic stability, affirming Ukraine's right to a "prosperous, independent, and sovereign future, free from fear of future Russian aggression."
Central to the proposed framework are commitments from the US and Europe to deliver "robust security guarantees and economic recovery support measures" in the event of a war-ending agreement. Key elements include sustained support to maintain Ukraine's armed forces at a peacetime strength of 800,000 personnel, enabling effective deterrence and territorial defense.
Additionally, the plan outlines the establishment of a European-led "multinational force Ukraine," operating under the Coalition of the Willing framework with US backing. This force would assist in regenerating Ukraine's military capabilities, securing its airspace, and ensuring safer maritime routes, including operations within Ukraine's borders.
A US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, involving international participants, would provide early warning of potential attacks, attribute violations, and facilitate de-escalatory measures. The leaders also proposed a legally binding commitment—subject to national ratification processes—to respond to any future armed aggression against Ukraine, potentially through armed force, intelligence sharing, logistical aid, economic measures, and diplomatic actions.
On economic reconstruction, the statement highlighted investments in Ukraine's recovery, noting that Russian sovereign assets immobilized in the European Union would support these efforts. The leaders reiterated strong backing for Ukraine's EU accession process.
Reaffirming core principles, the statement declared that "international borders must not be changed by force" and that territorial decisions ultimately rest with the Ukrainian people once robust security guarantees are established. It cautioned that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed," placing the onus on Russia to demonstrate commitment by accepting Trump's peace plan and agreeing to a ceasefire.
The Berlin consultations, which began on Sunday and continued into Monday, involved representatives from the US, Ukraine, and multiple European nations, alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in some sessions. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy attended in person, meeting with Chancellor Merz and other leaders. The US delegation was led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law.
German Chancellor Merz described the discussions as yielding "the greatest diplomatic momentum" since the war's onset, praising the US for offering "considerable" legal and material guarantees. Zelenskyy characterized the talks as "productive," while US officials reported consensus on approximately 90% of outstanding issues, though territorial matters remain contentious.
President Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, stated that a deal is "closer now than we have ever been," following extensive conversations with Zelenskyy, European leaders, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He acknowledged ongoing challenges but expressed optimism.
These developments occur amid preparations for an EU summit scheduled for later in the week, where leaders are expected to address the use of immobilized Russian assets to support Ukraine's reconstruction and defense needs.
The joint statement and related talks represent a coordinated transatlantic push to end nearly four years of conflict, prioritizing deterrence against future aggression while urging Russia to engage constructively.
