On December 15, 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin to outline a European‑led peace‑force that could secure Ukraine and support a post‑war ceasefire.
Chancellor’s Berlin Meeting
Merz met Zelensky in Berlin on Monday, following earlier talks on Sunday with U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The discussion focused on a U.S. plan for a ceasefire and the need for a European‑controlled security force.
European‑Led Security Forces
Officials announced that, after a ceasefire, a multinational protection force under European command would be established, supported by the United States. Merz stated that the force would resemble NATO’s structure and could include Canada and Australia to aid Ukraine’s military. Ensuring airspace security and sea access were also cited as priorities.
Role of NATO and Article 5
Zelensky noted that the United States was ready to provide security guarantees consistent with Article 5 of the NATO treaty. Although Ukraine is not a member, the article would treat an attack on it as an attack on the alliance alike. France and the United Kingdom had repeatedly expressed willingness to militarily engage in Ukraine.
Russia’s Position on Presence
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned that the presence of NATO soldiers in contested areas would be unacceptable. Merz stated that Putin would eventually be forced to agree to such guarantees, but that the stance would remain unchanged for now.
Expected Next Steps
The next major development is the U.S. approval of a plan that would transform Ukrainian troops into an international mission, mainly supplied from Europe and backed by the United States. The timeline for a ceasefire before Christmas remains uncertain, as does the exact contribution of each partner.