US, Ukraine Make Progress on Security Guarantees in Peace Talks, Territorial Disputes Remain Sticking Point
The United States and Ukraine have made progress in peace negotiations regarding Ukrainian security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression, but disagreements persist on territorial issues such as the transfer of the Donbas region. International attention is focused on whether the talks, held in Berlin, Germany, over the past two days starting December 14, can provide a clue to a future end to the conflict. The negotiations took place between the U.S. delegation and Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the talks, the U.S. reportedly discussed providing Ukraine with security guarantees equivalent to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Article 5 is a collective defense clause, meaning that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members, requiring a joint response.
A U.S. official stated in an online briefing after the negotiations that security guarantees were a key agenda item. "Ensuring Ukraine's security is directly linked to the stability of the entire European continent," he emphasized. The official also stated that Russia indicated in the final agreement that the U.S. could tolerate Ukraine joining the European Union (EU). However, territorial issues remain a challenge. Russia is demanding the transfer of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, but Ukraine refuses to accept this demand. The Donbas region has been the site of ongoing clashes between Russian-backed separatist forces and Ukrainian government forces since 2014.
President Zelenskyy is scheduled to discuss the peace plan with European leaders in Berlin. He is expected to urge European leaders to continue providing support to Ukraine and maintain pressure on Russia. "Our efforts to protect Ukraine's sovereignty and territory will continue," Zelenskyy emphasized. U.S. President Donald Trump is also scheduled to hold telephone conversations with European leaders. President Trump is expected to discuss international cooperation measures to resolve the Ukraine crisis with European leaders. President Trump has emphasized diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis in the past.
These U.S.-Ukraine peace negotiations have made some progress on security guarantees, but disagreements remain on key issues such as territorial disputes. The direction of the peace negotiations is expected to depend on the outcome of President Zelenskyy's visit to Europe and President Trump's telephone conversations. Based on the results of these negotiations, the Ukrainian government plans to pursue direct talks with Russia. A Ukrainian Foreign Ministry official stated, "We are ready to seek a peaceful solution through direct dialogue with Russia." However, Russia has not yet issued an official statement.
Some question whether these negotiations can lead to a strategic shift from Russia. Russia has previously shown uncooperative behavior in negotiations with Ukraine, such as reversing agreements or intensifying military pressure. Therefore, it is pointed out that the Ukrainian government should approach dialogue with Russia with caution. The U.S. government has positively assessed the results of these negotiations and stated that it will continue to support Ukraine. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said, "We support Ukraine's sovereignty and territory, and we will provide the necessary support to enable Ukraine to defend itself."
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) welcomes the results of these negotiations and plans to expand economic support to Ukraine. An EU Commission spokesperson said, "We will do our best to ensure Ukraine's economic stability and development, and we will support Ukraine in becoming an EU member state." The United States and Ukraine plan to narrow differences on territorial issues through further negotiations and pursue dialogue with Russia to seek a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. However, the success of the peace negotiations will depend on a change in Russia's attitude and international cooperation.
