U.S. offers NATO-style guarantees to push forward Ukraine peace negotiations

The Wall Street Journal reported this, citing U.S. officials, noting that Washington is offering security guarantees to help break the deadlock in peace negotiations.

According to the newspaper, the pledge was made on the second day of talks involving senior officials from the United States, Ukraine, and Europe in Berlin on Dec. 15.

The move could remove one of the most serious obstacles to a peace agreement. A far more difficult issue, however, remains unresolved: territory, the Journal said.

Doubts persist over whether Russia would accept any deal that forces it to compromise on territorial claims or honor security guarantees Ukraine might accept.

Still, one U.S. official described the situation as “really very positive in almost every respect,” according to the Journal.

“We have reached consensus on a number of issues that we believe are critically important to achieving a peace agreement,” the official said.

U.S. officials said the proposed security measures would include monitoring, verification, and conflict-prevention mechanisms, as well as clearly defining Washington’s role if Russia violates a peace agreement and resumes attacks on Ukraine. The guarantees would also include the provision of weapons to deter Russian forces.

The officials did not disclose details of the U.S. role but confirmed that Washington would not deploy ground troops.

The Journal noted that President Donald Trump said in August that the United States could use air power to support European forces in Ukraine.

A document signed by European leaders on Dec. 15, states that Washington is also prepared to provide assistance such as intelligence sharing and logistical support.

U.S. officials said the guarantees outlined in a draft document prepared by U.S., European, and Ukrainian military officials would be comparable to NATO’s Article 5 collective defense commitments.

According to the officials, the U.S. president is prepared to submit the security guarantees package for a vote. They cautioned, however, that “the offer will not remain on the table indefinitely,” signaling that Kyiv must quickly resolve remaining issues blocking an agreement.

Trump allies, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, have urged the White House to send the security package to the Senate for approval. Congressional backing would signal long-term U.S. support for Ukraine regardless of who occupies the White House.

Article 5 of NATO’s founding treaty states that an attack on one or more alliance members is considered an attack on all. Each member is obligated to assist the attacked ally, including through the use of armed force if necessary, to restore and maintain security.