In a significant diplomatic development, American officials have revealed that Russia is now open to Ukraine joining the European Union as part of a potential peace agreement to end the ongoing war.
Berlin Talks Focus on Security Guarantees
American and Ukrainian negotiators held intensified discussions in Berlin on Monday 15 December 2025, centred on a proposed 20-point peace agreement. The talks aimed to forge a path to end the conflict, which by that date will have lasted nearly four years.
A central pillar of the proposed deal is a "very strong security package" for Kyiv. This package would involve the United States and allied nations providing Ukraine with security guarantees described as "Article Five-like" – a reference to NATO's mutual defence clause – but crucially without Ukraine becoming a member of the Atlantic alliance itself.
A Major Shift in Russian Position
The most notable concession reported from the talks concerns Ukraine's future alignment with Europe. US officials stated that Russia is reportedly open to Ukraine joining the European Union as part of a final settlement.
This represents a substantial shift, given that fears over Ukraine's westward integration were a primary catalyst for Russia's initial invasion. For its part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated a willingness to forgo NATO membership ambitions, instead prioritising robust bilateral security assurances from the US and European partners.
Path to Ratification and Strategic Priorities
A senior US official involved in the process confirmed that former President Donald Trump is prepared to submit any finalised agreement to the US Senate for formal ratification. The official characterised ending the war as a strategic priority for the administration.
Concurrently, within the EU, debates are intensifying over the potential use of billions in frozen Russian state assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction, adding a further complex layer to the broader diplomatic and financial landscape surrounding the conflict.
The emerging framework suggests a potential compromise: Ukraine secures its sovereignty and a future within the European community, while Russia obtains assurances against NATO expansion directly on its border. The success of these talks, however, hinges on the translation of reported openness into a signed and actionable treaty.
