Amid escalating diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, intense talks between the United States, Europe, and Kyiv reveal a revised peace proposal based on unprecedented security guarantees. However, fundamental disagreements still threaten the chances of reaching a final agreement.
The United States, Ukraine, and Europe agreed on a security guarantee akin to NATO's assurance for the future security of Ukraine, as U.S. officials told the "New York Times," which could deter any future aggression while satisfying Russia at the same time.

After two days of talks in Berlin, U.S. officials stated that they reached consensus with Ukraine on 90% of the issues discussed between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. (AP)

Most of the discussions focused on security guarantees. Although details remain murky, it has become clear that Trump is prepared to present any final agreement regarding U.S. commitments to Ukraine to the Senate for approval. It is unclear whether the guarantees will become a formal treaty similar to those Washington has with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and other allies.

Trump asserted that Washington will not contribute ground forces to the security force. However, he previously offered to conduct aerial patrols and impose a no-fly zone, in addition to continuing to supply Ukraine with intelligence. Senior officials say this offer is still valid.

European officials, who were skeptical about Trump's readiness to play a central role in Ukraine's security, left the meeting impressed.
Although Trump affirmed that the end of the war in Ukraine is closer than ever, following the enhancement of security guarantees that advanced peace talks, officials warned that the U.S. offer will not remain on the table indefinitely, indicating that Kyiv will need to act swiftly to resolve remaining issues hindering an agreement.

In a significant development, U.S. officials said Russia has shown openness to Ukraine joining the European Union as part of any peace agreement, while Zelensky has expressed readiness to abandon Kyiv's bid to join NATO, according to the "AP".

European leaders provided some details. They said the draft agreement stipulates that the West "will provide sustained and significant support to Ukraine" to maintain an army of approximately 800,000 soldiers, which would make it Europe’s largest and most battle-experienced force.

In a statement, they said a "multinational force led by Europe in Ukraine" will be formed from "willing countries," and the United States will lead a "mechanism to monitor and verify the ceasefire" to provide early warning of future attacks. 
Nevertheless, the matter of territories and defining new borders between the parties in Donbas remains unresolved, according to "CNN".
Zelensky emphasized that it is impossible for Ukraine to surrender territories, most of which are in Donetsk, not seized by Russia on the battlefield, while Putin demands Ukraine withdraw its forces from the part under its control in this region as a precondition for peace. Negotiations on this may be left to Putin and Zelensky. 
Despite the momentum of talks, there are many reasons for caution. "The Wall Street Journal" pointed out that Russia is likely to object to the American commitment. Moscow stated it will strongly oppose the inclusion of proposals developed by Kyiv and Brussels, such as security guarantees, into the peace plan. Senior officials admitted it has gotten more difficult to convince Putin to sign it as the draft agreement is adjusted to meet more of Ukraine's concerns.
Amidst optimism and caution, the success of negotiations and the peace plan hinges on the ability of the parties to resolve the territorial issue before the last opportunity to end a debilitating war threatening European and international stability vanishes.