Building on the initial Berlin summit agreement, European leaders—including new signatories from Poland, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, and EU presidents—finalized a proposal on December 15-16 for a US-backed multinational protection force to secure a Ukraine ceasefire. Zelenskyy eyes NATO-like guarantees, but territorial concessions remain unresolved.
The Berlin Ukraine Summit extended into December 16, 2025, with a joint declaration signed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, leaders from France, the UK, Poland, Italy, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, EU Council President António Costa, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Europe-led force, supported by the US, would aid Ukraine's 800,000-strong peacetime army, secure airspace and seas—including operations inside Ukraine—and monitor a potential ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump voiced optimism, calling it closer to peace than ever, though challenging. Merz hailed US guarantees as 'impressive progress.' Zelenskyy, deeming NATO membership unrealistic, seeks commitments treating attacks on Ukraine as attacks on all, akin to NATO's Article 5.
Territorial issues stalled: Zelenskyy rejected Russian demands for Donbas cities as unconstitutional; Russia deems monitors military targets. The US will convey outcomes to Moscow, potentially in Miami. Merz urged a Christmas ceasefire and EU action on 185 billion euros in frozen Russian assets.
