Breakthrough in Berlin: Trump “Satisfied” as US Offers NATO-Style Guarantees to Ukraine

High-stakes diplomatic negotiations in Berlin have yielded a potential turning point in the war in Ukraine, with U.S. officials confirming that President Donald Trump is “satisfied” with the outcome of the talks. Following intense discussions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and American envoys, officials report that 90% of the outstanding issues have been resolved, signaling that a comprehensive peace framework may be within reach.
The most significant development from the summit is the United States’ readiness to assume legal security obligations for Ukraine that mirror Article 5 of the NATO treaty. This commitment, confirmed by Chancellor Merz, represents a massive strategic shift. “The US is ready to assume legal obligations regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to Article 5 of NATO,” Merz stated, emphasizing the West’s determination to avoid past diplomatic failures. “This is progress. We will not repeat the mistakes of Minsk.” By offering guarantees that treat an attack on Ukraine as an attack on the guarantor, Washington appears willing to provide the tangible security umbrella Kyiv has long demanded, without immediate NATO membership.
In a move to build confidence before a final deal is signed, Chancellor Merz has publicly proposed a “Christmas Truce” to the Kremlin. “The ball is in Russia’s court,” Merz declared. “Moscow will take an important step if it ceases its Christmas shelling on the night of December 25.” The proposal challenges Russian leadership to demonstrate a willingness to de-escalate during the holy season, serving as a litmus test for their seriousness about ending the conflict.
President Zelensky emerged from the meetings with cautious optimism, pushing back against rumors of Western pressure. “I wouldn’t say that the US demanded anything during the negotiations. These are the demands of the Russians,” Zelensky clarified, framing the U.S. role as a mediator rather than an enforcer of concessions. He acknowledged that “real progress was achieved,” particularly regarding the security architecture that would protect post-war Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian leader remains wary of Moscow’s unpredictable response. “I cannot predict how the Russian Federation will perceive it,” he admitted. “But we worked very well with the US.”
The reported “90% resolution” suggests that the contours of a final settlement are drafted, likely involving the new U.S. security guarantees in exchange for specific, yet-unrevealed concessions regarding the frontlines or sanctions. As the delegation departs Berlin, the focus shifts entirely to Moscow. With a concrete American security pledge now on the table and a diplomatic off-ramp offered via the Christmas truce, the next ten days leading up to the holiday will likely determine whether the war enters a freezing phase or continues to grind on into 2026.