The Berlin negotiations have made progress. NATO is no longer a condition for Ukraine, but territory is

The second round of key Ukrainian-American negotiations to shape the basis of a possible peace deal between Kiev and Moscow ended in the German capital on Monday. Ukraine's delegation was led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, while the US side was represented by President Donald Trump's envoys - businessman Steve Witkoff and former White House adviser Jared Kushner.

The negotiations, which took place in a strictly closed-door mode, were described by both sides as constructive, albeit difficult. It is the most significant diplomatic move toward ending the war since the Russian invasion began in 2022.

Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov described the talks as "constructive and productive", saying "real progress" had been made. Umerov also urged the public not to succumb to rumours and anonymous speculation, as the information space is currently full of unverified claims, he said.

Moreover, according to a source familiar with the negotiations, US negotiators have conveyed to Kiev that Ukraine will have to agree to withdraw forces from parts of the Donetsk region as part of any deal to end the nearly four-year-old war.

Difficult but productive discussions

Speaking at the German-Ukrainian Economic Forum, Zelensky acknowledged that the talks included a number of complicated topics: "These conversations are never easy. But they were productive, with many details - many indeed."

Security guarantees, territorial arrangements, ceasefire monitoring and a long-term model of cooperation between Ukraine and the West were all openly discussed, he said.

After the talks, Zelensky moved on to a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, followed by talks with Bundestag Speaker Julia Klöckner and Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

It is Germany that has been trying to act as one of the main mediators between Kiev, Washington and European leaders in recent months.

The aim is to find a path to a lasting agreement, the US side says

Negotiator Rustem Umerov stressed in a statement on the social network X that "the American team is working extremely constructively" and the atmosphere of the negotiations was set on finding solutions, not confrontation.

Witkoff had already said on Sunday after the first round of talks that "a lot of progress" had been made. According to U.S. officials, who briefed the media on condition of anonymity, the negotiations include "very strong" security guarantees comparable to NATO commitments.

They would include not only defence cooperation, but also a US commitment to respond in the event of renewed Russian aggression - something Kiev has been demanding since 2014. At the same time, U.S. officials cautioned that the security guarantees offered would not be on the table forever.

Ukraine considers concession on NATO, but won't hand over territories

One of the strongest signals of the past few days was Zelensky's statement that he was ready to give up on Ukraine's bid to join NATO if the U.S. and other partners would provide equivalent security guarantees that would be legally binding and backed by the U.S. Congress.

At the same time, however, he categorically rejected pressure for territorial concessions. "Territorial concessions can only be decided by Ukraine. Without any reservations," German Chancellor Merz stressed, his words picking up on Zelensky's unequivocal position.

According to Reuters sources, however, territorial demarcation is one of the most difficult topics that remains open despite the positive tone of the negotiations.

Territory only after security guarantees

European leaders agreed during a meeting in Berlin on Monday that any territorial compromises can only be considered after Ukraine has a credible security framework.

The updated statement, signed by ten European leaders and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said the security guarantees must include a European-led multinational force. They should support the Ukrainian armed forces, help protect airspace and ensure safe seas - including through operations on Ukrainian territory.

The declaration also states that Ukraine should be able to maintain its armed forces at a level of around 800 000 troops in order to be able to deter future aggression.

The security guarantees are also to include a US-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism that would provide early warning of violations and ensure a rapid response.

Ukraine's defence funding and frozen Russian assets

At the same time, Zelensky called on the EU to ensure that frozen Russian assets in Europe are used exclusively to support Ukraine's defence: "It's fair, it's reasonable and it must be achievable."

German Chancellor Merz described the issue as a "key problem" that Europe must resolve without delay. The EU's credibility will be undermined if a common solution cannot be found, he said. He also said that for the first time since the start of the war, a ceasefire could be considered.

US officials have warned that the window for anchoring strong security guarantees is limited in time - once they are tabled, they must be quickly approved by the adherents.

Another interesting moment in the negotiations was the information that Russia has reportedly indicated its openness to Ukraine's future membership in the European Union. According to AP and AFP sources, this may be part of a negotiating package to facilitate a broader agreement.

If Ukraine eventually obtains Article 5-like security guarantees, it could fundamentally reshape Europe's security architecture - even without formal NATO membership. Negotiations will continue, probably later this week.

(reuters, tasr, pir)