Zelensky calls for 'Article 5-like' security guarantees as he meets Trump's envoys in Berlin
Editor's note: This story is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Berlin on Dec. 14, as talks continue to finalize a peace plan to end Russia's full-scale war.
The visit is part of renewed diplomatic efforts, after the U.S. backed a 28-point plan that many viewed as effectively pushing Ukraine toward capitulation in Russia's all-out war. The proposal was subsequently reduced to 20 points following consultations with Ukrainian and European representatives.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Zelensky signaled that Ukraine seeks NATO-like security guarantees as part of a peace deal to prevent future Russian aggression, as full membership is opposed by the U.S. and other partners.
Ahead of the meeting, Axios reported, citing a senior U.S. official, that the Trump administration may be willing to provide Congress-approved NATO-like security guarantees.
"We want to give the Ukrainians a security guarantee that will not be a blank check on the one hand but will be strong enough on the other hand. We are willing to send it to Congress to vote on it," the U.S. official told Axios.
"When people see what they are going to get and not only what they are going to give they are more willing to move forward," the official added.
Washington continues to pressure Kyiv to advance negotiations, amid fresh accusations from U.S. President Donald Trump that Zelensky is refusing to accept the American plan.
Ukraine's president previously said that he will hold talks with European leaders and Trump's envoys to discuss "the foundation of peace — a political agreement to end the war."
This trip will focus on "how to reliably guarantee security for Ukraine so that the experience of the Budapest Memorandum and Russia's invasion never happens again," he announced upon arrival.
Earlier this week, Ukraine and its European partners submitted their revision to the U.S.-backed peace framework to Washington, seeking to alter provisions that would require sweeping concessions from Kyiv.
Speaking to journalists en route to Berlin, Zelensky said that Kyiv has not yet received a response from the U.S. to its revised peace proposals, but added that he is ready for dialogue. The president noted that he will talk to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and possibly other European leaders later on Dec. 14.
As Kyiv continues to rally support from European capitals, ahead of the Ukrainian president's meeting with Trump's envoys, French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone call with Zelensky.
"France is, and will remain, at Ukraine’s side to build a robust and lasting peace—one that can guarantee Ukraine’s security and sovereignty, and that of Europe, over the long term," the French president wrote following the call.
Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Merz will also attend the meetings with Witkoff scheduled for Dec. 14 and 15, the Wall Street Journal wrote.
"There won't be a plan that everybody will like," Zelensky said, stressing that the peace proposal must be just, effective, and prevent Moscow from launching renewed aggression against Ukraine.
As the U.S. and some European partners do not back Ukraine's bid to join NATO, Kyiv instead seeks "Article 5-like" bilateral guarantees from the U.S., European countries, and other partners, he noted.
"And that's already a compromise from our side," Zelensky said, adding that such guarantees on the American part must be confirmed by the U.S. Congress.
According to the president, Ukraine is not leading a "direct dialogue with the Russian side," as Moscow's positions are relayed by the U.S.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said that Moscow had not yet reviewed the Ukrainian and European revisions to the peace plan, but added that they "will likely not be constructive" and Russia will "strongly object" if any changes are implemented. Ushakov stressed that Moscow is determined to stand its ground on territorial issues.
The Kremlin has demanded that Ukraine cede the entire Donetsk Oblast, including territory that Russian forces have been unable to capture, as a key condition for any peace deal.
Speaking about Donbas, Zelensky said the only fair option would be a ceasefire based on the "we stand where we stand" principle, and the matter would be resolved later through diplomatic means.
Any proposal for a "free economic zone" or a "demilitarized zone" — an idea backed by the U.S. — would only be just if both sides withdraw their forces symmetrically, Zelensky added, calling it a "question that currently has no answer."
