Two days of high-level talks in Berlin involving Ukrainian, U.S., and European officials delivered tangible progress on the future security architecture. According to U.S. officials, the contours of security guarantees for Ukraine have largely taken shape. However, positions on post-war territorial arrangements remain far apart.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held approximately seven hours of meetings in Berlin with advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking after the talks, Zelensky said progress had been made on security but acknowledged that “different approaches on territory” still exist.

Washington’s Plan: Withdrawal in Exchange for Guarantees

The U.S. proposal on the table envisions Ukraine pulling back from roughly 14% of the Donbas region that it currently controls but which Russia claims. The area would be transformed into a demilitarized zone with special status, described as a “free economic zone.”

Zelensky has expressed caution about the proposal, questioning how Russia would be prevented from moving in once Ukrainian forces withdraw. He has stressed that any territorial concessions could only be approved by the Ukrainian people, potentially through a referendum.

“Not a Demand, but a Transmission”

Zelensky said he does not believe the United States is demanding that Ukraine give up territory, but rather that it is conveying Russia’s demands. A source familiar with the talks described the discussions over territory as “extremely complicated.”

A U.S. official also said the final decision rests with Ukraine, while warning that the broader U.S. offer — including the strongest security guarantees proposed to date — “will not remain on the table indefinitely.”

Trump Steps In, Talks Continue

As part of the Berlin meetings, Trump’s advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held a dinner with Zelensky and several European leaders. Trump also joined the discussion by phone.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said he had a “long and productive” conversation with Zelensky and European leaders, adding, “We have never been this close to a deal.”

U.S. officials said roughly 90% of the issues have been resolved, with the remaining matters requiring technical-level discussions. Further talks involving military and technical teams are expected this weekend in the United States, possibly in Miami.

Surprise Over Security Guarantees

According to a U.S. official involved in the talks, Ukrainian and European representatives were surprised by Washington’s willingness to offer security guarantees resembling NATO’s Article 5. The official said Trump believes such guarantees could be accepted by Russia.

While the proposed security arrangement would require approval by the U.S. Senate, it remains unclear whether it would take the form of a formal treaty or a different legal mechanism.

A Difficult Balancing Act

From Washington’s perspective, the package offers Ukraine robust security guarantees, an accelerated path toward European Union integration, and billions of dollars for reconstruction. In return, however, it calls for significant territorial concessions.

Officials in Kyiv and European capitals remain wary that Ukraine could make painful compromises only for Russia to ultimately reject the deal and hold out for more.

Eyes on a Possible Ceasefire

Following the Berlin talks, Zelensky said that both Ukraine and the United States support German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal for a ceasefire around the Christmas period. Diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify in pursuit of that objective.