Ukraine Says It May Abandon NATO Ambition to Secure Peace Guarantees
Ukraine has signaled a major compromise in ongoing peace talks, saying it is prepared to give up its long-held ambition of joining NATO. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv would be willing to withdraw its membership bid if western countries provide firm, legally binding security guarantees. The announcement marks a significant policy shift aimed at breaking a deadlock in negotiations to end the nearly four-year war with Russia.
A “Compromise” After Five-Hour Talks
Zelenskyy shared the proposal during discussions with U.S envoys in Berlin on Sunday, calling it a necessary compromise. He admitted that Ukraine’s push to join NATO no longer has enough backing from some key partners in the United States and Europe. As an alternative, Kyiv is now seeking clear and direct security guarantees.
“These security guarantees are an opportunity to prevent another wave of Russian aggression,” Zelenskyy stated. “And this is already a compromise on our part”. U.S Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who met with Zelenskyy alongside Jared Kushner, reported that “a lot of progress was made” during the five-hour meeting.
Kremlin Calls it a “Cornerstone” Issue
The Kremlin quickly responded, calling Ukraine’s non-NATO status a “cornerstone” of any potential peace deal. Russian President Vladimir Putin has long framed NATO’s expansion as a primary security threat and a reason for the 2022 invasion.
“Of course, it requires special discussion,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday. He added that Russia expects to be briefed on the outcome of the Berlin talks. Ukraine’s move aligns with one of Moscow’s stated war aims, though Kyiv continues to reject demands to cede sovereign territory.
Territory Remains the Sticking Point
While the NATO concession is major, the most difficult issue remains unresolved: control of land. Zelenskyy has rejected a U.S. proposal for Ukraine to withdraw from the part of the Donetsk region it still holds to create a demilitarized zone.
“I do not consider this fair,” Zelenskyy said. He argued that a fair option would be a ceasefire along the current line of contact. Russia insists on a Ukrainian withdrawal from Donetsk. Analysts say territorial control has emerged as the biggest sticking point for both sides, with the future of the Donbas region standing at the heart of the conflict both symbolically and strategically.
Background: Rising Pressure for Peace Talks
The talks are taking place amid strong pressure from U.S President Donald Trump’s administration to bring the conflict to a negotiated settlement. European leaders are also deeply involved, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosting the Berlin meetings.
European officials express caution. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted Ukraine’s past bitter experience with security assurances, referencing the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. He stressed that any guarantees without substantial U.S. involvement “wouldn’t be worth much”.
Diplomacy continues this week alongside ongoing violence. As talks resumed Monday, Ukrainian officials reported new Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands without power. The outcome of the Berlin talks may decide whether this concession opens the door to serious peace negotiations or turns into yet another deadlock in the long-running war.
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