Multinational forces to be deployed in Ukraine, international security guarantees and financial support for reconstruction: Western leaders outline conditions for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Will the Kremlin agree?
Over the past two days, talks have taken place in Berlin in various formats in search of a peaceful solution for Ukraine. Last night, the German host, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, hosted a summit of European heads of state and government, and after the talks, the group of twelve politicians issued a joint declaration.
It makes it clear that both the United States and the European heads of state and government have agreed that Ukraine must receive solid security guarantees, as well as support for the country's economic recovery. Here are the most important points:
Multinational force to guarantee the ceasefire
To ensure that a future ceasefire is respected, a multinational force will be deployed on the ground. The European-led and US-backed forces will support the Ukrainian army and ensure the security of its airspace and seas.
The activity will also include operations inside Ukraine itself, as the declaration explicitly states.
800,000 Ukrainians will defend the country
In peacetime, the size of the Ukrainian army will be 800,000 people. This should be enough to allow the country to defend itself and at the same time act as a deterrent.
In addition, Ukraine will receive "sustained and significant support" for its armed forces, it is also clear from the document signed in Berlin.
International guarantees for peace
A mechanism for monitoring the ceasefire with international participation will operate under the leadership of the US. It will also have another important function - to warn in time about possible future attacks.
Potential ceasefire violations must be able to be tracked and responded to in a timely manner. A mechanism for reducing the conflict potential is also envisaged, including the development of mutual de-escalation measures, ARD also informs.
In addition, there is talk of a "legally binding obligation". In the event of a future armed attack, "measures to restore peace and security" must be taken. Specifically mentioned are the use of armed forces, intelligence and logistical support, as well as economic and diplomatic measures.
Frozen Russian assets are on the table
Significant investments in the economic and material recovery of Ukraine are also envisaged. It is also about trade agreements of mutual interest, "taking into account the need for Russia to compensate Ukraine for the damage caused".
In this regard, reference is made to the frozen Russian assets in the EU.
The issue of territories remains unresolved
The declaration was signed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as well as his colleagues from France, Great Britain, Poland, Italy, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, by the President of the EU Council Antonio Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
The meeting last night in the Chancellery was also attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and representatives of the American delegation. However, from what German Chancellor Merz said at his joint press conference with Zelensky, it became clear that the issue of "territories" has not been resolved. In this regard, the German Chancellor explicitly emphasized that only the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian president can answer this question.
"There are chances for peace"
Russia ultimately insists on receiving that part of Donbas that it failed to conquer in almost four years of full-scale war. This issue is considered the most complex and painful in the "Trump peace plan" initially agreed with Moscow, which Ukraine and its European partners reduced from 28 to 20 points.
However, the Berlin Declaration is nothing more than an intermediate step, because Russia is not present at this round of negotiations, ARD specifies. "There are already chances for a real peace process in Ukraine", commented Friedrich Merz, but pointed out - "this plant is still tiny".
The US is about to discuss the results of the talks in Berlin with the Kremlin.