The U.S. has offered Ukraine "Article 5-like" security guarantees — the most explicit pledge yet from the Trump administration — but officials say the package is time-limited and urged Kyiv to act quickly. Senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner discussed the terms in Berlin with Ukrainian and European leaders, covering security assurances, territorial questions and a proposal to split control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Russia has not publicly responded, and U.S. officials plan follow-up working groups, likely in Miami, to finalize remaining issues.
U.S. Offers Ukraine Time-Limited 'Article 5‑Like' Security Guarantees — Urging Rapid Acceptance
The United States has presented Ukraine with security guarantees described as "Article 5-like," U.S. officials said Monday — the strongest and most explicit pledge the Trump administration has proposed to date. Officials emphasized the offer is time-limited, signaling Kyiv should accept quickly or risk a smaller package in later negotiations.
What Was Proposed
Senior U.S. envoys led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner outlined the guarantees during marathon talks in Berlin with Ukrainian and European counterparts. The discussions focused on the scope of security assurances the U.S. and European partners might provide, alongside thorny territorial questions and other details.
“The basis of that agreement is basically to have really, really strong guarantees, Article 5-like,” a senior U.S. official said. “Those guarantees will not be on the table forever. Those guarantees are on the table right now if there's a conclusion that's reached in a good way.”
Territory and the Zaporizhzhia Proposal
Negotiators also discussed territorial arrangements. One proposal reportedly under consideration (but not finalized) would divide control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, giving each country access to half of its energy output. U.S. officials said they offered Zelenskyy "thought-provoking ideas" for bridging remaining gaps on territory.
Responses and Reactions
The U.S. officials signaled optimism that Moscow would accept a final settlement that included these guarantees and Ukraine's accession to the European Union, though they acknowledged that assessment may be optimistic given the Kremlin's prior negotiating stance. So far, Russia has not publicly responded to the new proposals.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia expects the U.S. to update it on the Berlin talks and warned President Putin was not open to "tricks aimed at stalling for time." When asked if a deal could be reached by Christmas, Peskov called forecasting a timeline a "thankless task."
Next Steps
U.S. officials said they would seek congressional ratification for the guarantees so they endure beyond a single presidency. They expect to convene working groups — likely in Miami — where military officers will pore over maps to resolve remaining territorial disputes. One official estimated about 90% of the issues between Ukraine and Russia have been addressed, but acknowledged important details remain.
President Trump, who did not attend the Berlin talks in person but was briefed twice by Witkoff and Kushner, planned to call into a Monday dinner of attending leaders. European officials, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, praised the legal and material guarantees put forward in Berlin.
Where Things Stand: Kyiv has reportedly signaled willingness to forgo NATO membership — a key Russian demand — while waiting for a clear, enforceable security framework. The ultimate success of the proposals depends on Kyiv's response and whether Moscow agrees to the terms in subsequent talks.
Hans Joachim Von Der Burchard in Berlin contributed to this report.
